Heeeey Family!
So this week can be described in one word. GOLDEN!
Not much happened as far as finding is concerned, but the lessons me and Elder Alldredge got to teach this week was absolutely awesome.
First of all Elder Alldredge truly is a perfect companion. He has a very good grip on life in general and is an overall over achiever. I guess I should tell you guys a little about him. He truly is magnificent. 1st off he's an excellent foot ball player. He played as the start quarterback for his school in Orlando Florida for all 4 years. He got a scholarship to play football in College in West Virginia as well. He played as the quarterback on the practice squad, but if you think that's his only strength then you haven't seen anything yet! He also didn't get a SINGLE B in high school. That's right! ALL A's. He also got around a 2200 on his SAT's as well! Socially he is a master as well. He's able to tell the true intent of people, read body language, and manipulate conversations very well. I marvel and tell how much he has taught me, but yet he still feels inadequate. The only reason why is that for pretty much all his life he was inactive. It was only just VERY recently that he decided to serve a mission. He decided when he was 20 and before he wasn't going to church or practicing anything that was church related. He thought that he should serve though. He didn't know why, but he just knew that he must do it. So he went into the Mission not as prepared as he would like too. He was pretty much a primary kid walking into the mission field. He's a very fast learner though, and he was willing to give it a shot. His conversion to the gospel was amazing. He said that he was praying with an investigator who gave an absolutely sincere and pleading prayer, that it influenced him and made him feel the spirit. I remember the first 3 days he told me that story, and it touched me, and it made me envy him because he has found out what the difference is between having the spirit with you and not. Now he's an awesome and very down to earth missionary. He has taught me the value of respecting people for who they are and not judging them. He has also taught me a lot of how life is and the value of hard work. I much rather work as much as I can because sitting around doing nothing is totally lame! ^_^.
Anyway enough about my comp (wow I rambled a lot about him ^_^;;) Let me tell you guys about an absolutely wonderful guy named Harper. Me and Elder Alldredge were working our butts off. We were trying to find people who would at least go to church. All the potential investigators that we have now enjoy our visits, but haven't even tried going to church. Some take longer than others I suppose, but we weren't seeing that much success as far as people keeping commitments are concerned. 2 Sundays ago Harper and his Girlfriend (who was a member) Allisa approached me specifically and asked if Me and Elder Alldredge could give them the lessons. Yeah! Of coarse we could! We scheduled for the next day (Monday) at 6. We came to their house and gave them the 1st lesson, the restoration of the Gospel. When we asked him to read and pray about what we have taught him he said. "Oh yeah! I've already done that!" Turns out he has talked to missionaries already, and even got a book of Mormon, but didn't get a chance to be taught the lessons. He has such a great testimony, but doesn't know what about! It was absolutely amazing. I could see it in his eyes when I taught. I gave him Joseph Smith's account and he tears in his eyes. That was probably the best moment that I have had so far. He even told us that before he has had a dream of Joseph Smith! As well as God and Jesus appearing to him, he also saw a lamb. I thought that was very interesting and such a miracle. Anyway we set up a lesson for the next day! (Tuesday) We taught him the Plan of Salvation. After finishing. He commented that now he feels as though that his life has a map now. That being raised by his dad felt like he was being led, but on the edge of a cliff. I love the way he looks at things and how much he's receiving by his own efforts and studies. This guy has already read to about Jacob in the Book of Mormon! So during that lesson we extend a Baptismal date for April 3! He was extremely excited. He wants to get baptized so bad. Him and his girlfriend were looking at each other and just laughing with glee as he excepted this date. . . They were extraordinarily happy. It brought tears to my eyes for how happy they were. I absolutely love them for that, and I couldn't be happier for them. Last Sunday we taught them about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I felt prompted to thank him while teaching faith. His faith and his willingness to do what it takes to be closer with our Heavenly Father has truly strengthened my testimony. His love for his savior and his Father and heaven is truly evident and I feel it, even when I am simply sitting next to him during church. He smiled and was actually kind of surprised as I was thanking him for this, and he appreciated it. We taught the rest and invited him to come to a baptism that was being held on that same day. He came and I sat next to him. A 14 year old boy named Ian was being baptized and the Elders who converted him where the Zone Leaders who lived in my apartment. They watch over the Burbank 3rd ward. I am serving in the Burbank 2nd ward. Anyway that baptism was very nice. The youth got up and sang the EFY medley. The Elders also read "The Living Christ" with "I Believe in Christ" playing in the background. It really boasted my testimony of why I am here and what Christ has done for us. I love my savior and I am willing to do anything to show that to him. THAT is why I am here. So after wards Harper thanked us for inviting him and said that that was exactly what he wanted to see, and now he is more excited than ever to be baptized himself. The only problem I'm gonna see with this guy is that I think we are going to run out of things to teach him before April 3rd XD. He truly is a spiritual giant
Welp, I got 10 minutes. Gonna address you guys individually now
Rachel: Thank you so much for the letter. I hope everything is going well with Brady (that's actually the elders nick name, Elder Braden, who lives with me in the apartment) Just treat each other good and just be there for each other and relax! Take it easy! heheh ^_^. Anyway I hope you do well on your ACT. THat's the one you need to do good on if your thinking of going to BYU. Remember on the Science part to read the questions FIRST and then use the information to answer it. You will do better that way. Hope that helps ^_^. Anyway I hope you are doing well, and I really miss you as well. I'm glad that I am remember through the hardcore licks of METALLICA! heheh ^_^. I love you so much sis, and I can't wait to see you again some day. Until then *claps* GO TO BED! XD ohhh childhood inside jokes ^_^
Mom: I'm so glad that you have opportunity with better pay and an AWESOME boss. Master Stone is definitely a pleasure to work with and very easy to get along with. I miss him a lot and I hope that I can get back to training when I get back. To answer your questions. Yes I am trying to keep up with my Spanish as much as possible. You guys could send me CDs or books that might help if you want, because it can be kind of hard, but I'm pretty much just practicing out of the grammer books and reading Preach My Gospel or The Book of Mormon side by side. I've heard that helps a lot as well as listening to Spanish Music. Yes I've played my Ukulele every now and then. Not a lot of time to practice, but I still remember the cords and stuff. One of the Elders gave me a CD with Hawaiian LDS tunes which are SOOO AWESOME. It was written by an elder in this same mission. It even included a song about missionaries getting letters for girls XD. I should try see if I can send you a copy or something. It's really good. Yes I did get the pictures you sent. You guys looks so great, and Gavin takes really good pictures.
Dad: Congrats on the promotion. I hope things are going will for that. Your making me jealous by getting more Rock Band stuff >_< but I'll be able to play more of that later. For now MISSION WOOT ^(^o^)^. Oh and I forgot to congratulate you on finishing MGS (or maybe I didn't) Oh well. Anyway I'm trying to play some tennis out here too because there are elders who play. So if you want to send me a racket that would be awesome. Well take care Dad! I miss you alot
Well that's it for today. I have a lot of pictures but the computer doesn't work for this. I'll find a way though. I love you guys so much.
-Elder Clark
Friday, March 19, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Hello again!!!
Heeey Family!
Well today not so much eventful with new investigators. We mainly tried to visit less active members and some elderly people to make sure everything is alright with them. It was pretty nice
Last night for dinner there was this really old lady who was SOooo funny! She randomly told us about how her brothers and sisters died in the same year, and we should our sorrow for her and one of the ladies said that she "was a trooper" she was slow and quite in her speach, but what she said next just made me laugh. She slowly picked her head up and very slowly said "I'm . . the . . energiizer . . bunny" Heheh she had a wonderful sense of humor that just worked for her XD. Everyone said that she always made little comments like that that were just on her mind. She told us the time when she was a Catholic and she saw the Catholic Priest drinking a lot of the whine and she said "You better stop drinking or you gonna fall flat on your face." Ha I wish I could've been there ^_^. . She then pulled me in a gave me a very slow grandma kiss on the cheek. Ahhh what a night ^_^.
Anyway Earlier in the week My comp got hit by a car. It wasn't very serious, it was just in the parking lot entrence to K-Mart. When He got hit he checked his pants and made sure he was ok and left. When I followed behind I noticed a dent in the car. I Told Elder Alldredge that he left a dent in the care and he immediately replied with "I won!?" . . . YEEEAH!" It was sooo halerious. He called EVERYONE in the distrect right there to brag how he dented this care on his bike. It was so funny XD.
We also visited this one other lady who's name was Sis. Forrand. She's less active, but only because she's embarassed to go out in public with missing teeth. She's going to get it fixed soon. This woman can talk. She told us lots of stories about her grandchildren and her days as a nurse for birthing babies. She told us these sad stories of babies dying and one being born without a head. Yikes! >_<. I told her I wanted to get into the medical field and she got very excited and grabbed my hand saying "Oh we need you!" For some reason that really struck deep into my soul. . . It was like heavenly Father was talking to me through her. It was crazy . . . But yeah that was awesome. She gave me a pamplet about FC (a genetic disorder of babies affecting the autonomatic nerve functions). We ended the visit with a Scripture in Matthiew 17 ( I hope that's the right one). Jesus heals a man who is a "lunatic" and the apostles asked why they weren't able to heal him. Jesus answered him and said that they didn't have enough faith and said that with faith they would have the power to move mountains and that nothing would be impossible. Sis. Forrand commented that mountains weren't just figurative. They could be metephorical mountains, representing our challenges and stresses in life. That really struck me as well because I never thought of it that way. This woman trully had the spirit strong in her heart. She wanted to give the prayer at the end. This... family, was the most sincere prayer I had ever heard in my life. She used words like "I want. . ." and "thanks" instead of the usual "Please bless. . ." She even told heavenly father that she saw her first lady bug today and thanked him for the spring weather and the planet earth that we have. It was such a wonderful prayer that almost brought me to tears. We said our good byes and we were on our way. What a wonderful visit.
The last awesome thing that happened was we visited Gabrial Mexicanos again. We went on splits and I visited him with the Stake President, President Clank. He was a pretty outspoken person, but when he taught, everything he said, every question that he asked, every scripture he shared was flawless and pertained to Gabrials problems almost exactly. The Spirit was trully present that night. Gabrial has had a very sketchy past having been dealing drugs and seen people die in gang wars. He's just recently decided to come back to church and the first day he came back he wanted a healing blessing from us. That was my first blessing with oil that I got to do in my life. It was pretty cool. But he wasn't sick, which was wierd. He just wanted the one having to do with healing the sick. We did it anyway to bring him comfort. Anyway, he is now afraid to recieve the priesthood or even take the sacrament because he feels as though he is not worthy, or that if he gets the priesthood and messes up he will go to hell. President Clank explained that it was a matter of choice and that we should consider the Eternal perspective. He also explained the Priesthood using the Doctrine and Covenants. Gabrial still felt unworthy. I asked him what he thought he needed to do to repent. He said that he had to fast for 4 days and probably go to the morg or something. I explained that repentence is easier than that. That all we need is to ask our heavenly father. He doesn't want to condem us or blame us. He wants to forgive us because he loves us. He said that me and him weren't in the same situations. I said that it doesn't matter. That EVERYONE can repent and it doesn't matter what it was. When I spoke to him like this I could really feel the spirit speaking through me. I bore my testimony and said that it is never too late, that we can all ask for repentence and be made clean. President Clank ended by sharing a scripture in 2 Nephi 4. This is an awesome chapter. This is where Nephi, A Prophet! was lamenting over his faults and follies and felt sorry about himself. Even Nephi felt like this! But he realized one crucial fact. That God is always there for us. He loves us and he wants to forgive us. By trusting him and putting all our faith in him we can be made whole and all of our weaknesses can be made strong. I have seen this in my mission. I have never known how many weaknesses I had until now, and by bringing them to my heavenly father I have seen a great improvement within such a short amount of time. He will provide for us family. I know he will.
Well please excuse me for not addressing you guys seperately. This e-mail took longer to write than I thought ^_^;. I hope you guys have a great week and know that I love you guys very much. That's another thing that I've learned. Family is so important. THey are ordained of god. I know this is true now more than ever. I feel kind of bad for not realizing this earlier and trying to spend more time with you guys. But we have a whole eternity to spend with each other so it will be alright. Take Care family and have an EXCELLENT week *Guitar Solo* !!!!
-Elder Clark
P.S. "Put them in the Iron Maiden"
"EXCELLENT!!!"
"Execute them!"
". . boogus. . "
Lol gotta love that movie ^_^
Well today not so much eventful with new investigators. We mainly tried to visit less active members and some elderly people to make sure everything is alright with them. It was pretty nice
Last night for dinner there was this really old lady who was SOooo funny! She randomly told us about how her brothers and sisters died in the same year, and we should our sorrow for her and one of the ladies said that she "was a trooper" she was slow and quite in her speach, but what she said next just made me laugh. She slowly picked her head up and very slowly said "I'm . . the . . energiizer . . bunny" Heheh she had a wonderful sense of humor that just worked for her XD. Everyone said that she always made little comments like that that were just on her mind. She told us the time when she was a Catholic and she saw the Catholic Priest drinking a lot of the whine and she said "You better stop drinking or you gonna fall flat on your face." Ha I wish I could've been there ^_^. . She then pulled me in a gave me a very slow grandma kiss on the cheek. Ahhh what a night ^_^.
Anyway Earlier in the week My comp got hit by a car. It wasn't very serious, it was just in the parking lot entrence to K-Mart. When He got hit he checked his pants and made sure he was ok and left. When I followed behind I noticed a dent in the car. I Told Elder Alldredge that he left a dent in the care and he immediately replied with "I won!?" . . . YEEEAH!" It was sooo halerious. He called EVERYONE in the distrect right there to brag how he dented this care on his bike. It was so funny XD.
We also visited this one other lady who's name was Sis. Forrand. She's less active, but only because she's embarassed to go out in public with missing teeth. She's going to get it fixed soon. This woman can talk. She told us lots of stories about her grandchildren and her days as a nurse for birthing babies. She told us these sad stories of babies dying and one being born without a head. Yikes! >_<. I told her I wanted to get into the medical field and she got very excited and grabbed my hand saying "Oh we need you!" For some reason that really struck deep into my soul. . . It was like heavenly Father was talking to me through her. It was crazy . . . But yeah that was awesome. She gave me a pamplet about FC (a genetic disorder of babies affecting the autonomatic nerve functions). We ended the visit with a Scripture in Matthiew 17 ( I hope that's the right one). Jesus heals a man who is a "lunatic" and the apostles asked why they weren't able to heal him. Jesus answered him and said that they didn't have enough faith and said that with faith they would have the power to move mountains and that nothing would be impossible. Sis. Forrand commented that mountains weren't just figurative. They could be metephorical mountains, representing our challenges and stresses in life. That really struck me as well because I never thought of it that way. This woman trully had the spirit strong in her heart. She wanted to give the prayer at the end. This... family, was the most sincere prayer I had ever heard in my life. She used words like "I want. . ." and "thanks" instead of the usual "Please bless. . ." She even told heavenly father that she saw her first lady bug today and thanked him for the spring weather and the planet earth that we have. It was such a wonderful prayer that almost brought me to tears. We said our good byes and we were on our way. What a wonderful visit.
The last awesome thing that happened was we visited Gabrial Mexicanos again. We went on splits and I visited him with the Stake President, President Clank. He was a pretty outspoken person, but when he taught, everything he said, every question that he asked, every scripture he shared was flawless and pertained to Gabrials problems almost exactly. The Spirit was trully present that night. Gabrial has had a very sketchy past having been dealing drugs and seen people die in gang wars. He's just recently decided to come back to church and the first day he came back he wanted a healing blessing from us. That was my first blessing with oil that I got to do in my life. It was pretty cool. But he wasn't sick, which was wierd. He just wanted the one having to do with healing the sick. We did it anyway to bring him comfort. Anyway, he is now afraid to recieve the priesthood or even take the sacrament because he feels as though he is not worthy, or that if he gets the priesthood and messes up he will go to hell. President Clank explained that it was a matter of choice and that we should consider the Eternal perspective. He also explained the Priesthood using the Doctrine and Covenants. Gabrial still felt unworthy. I asked him what he thought he needed to do to repent. He said that he had to fast for 4 days and probably go to the morg or something. I explained that repentence is easier than that. That all we need is to ask our heavenly father. He doesn't want to condem us or blame us. He wants to forgive us because he loves us. He said that me and him weren't in the same situations. I said that it doesn't matter. That EVERYONE can repent and it doesn't matter what it was. When I spoke to him like this I could really feel the spirit speaking through me. I bore my testimony and said that it is never too late, that we can all ask for repentence and be made clean. President Clank ended by sharing a scripture in 2 Nephi 4. This is an awesome chapter. This is where Nephi, A Prophet! was lamenting over his faults and follies and felt sorry about himself. Even Nephi felt like this! But he realized one crucial fact. That God is always there for us. He loves us and he wants to forgive us. By trusting him and putting all our faith in him we can be made whole and all of our weaknesses can be made strong. I have seen this in my mission. I have never known how many weaknesses I had until now, and by bringing them to my heavenly father I have seen a great improvement within such a short amount of time. He will provide for us family. I know he will.
Well please excuse me for not addressing you guys seperately. This e-mail took longer to write than I thought ^_^;. I hope you guys have a great week and know that I love you guys very much. That's another thing that I've learned. Family is so important. THey are ordained of god. I know this is true now more than ever. I feel kind of bad for not realizing this earlier and trying to spend more time with you guys. But we have a whole eternity to spend with each other so it will be alright. Take Care family and have an EXCELLENT week *Guitar Solo* !!!!
-Elder Clark
P.S. "Put them in the Iron Maiden"
"EXCELLENT!!!"
"Execute them!"
". . boogus. . "
Lol gotta love that movie ^_^
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
So this week was pretty great!
Heeeey Family!
So today is the start of my 2nd Transfer! (Transfers are every 6 weeks) So just 15 or 16 (I can't remember) To go. Woo!
So this week was pretty great! We got yet another investigator! It was awesome! We were knocking doors in an appartment complex and it was my turn to contact. So I told who we were and what we were doing and she said "Yeah sure!" The next thing I said you guys are not going to believe. I send the SAME thing that I said to my first successful contact. "really?" Guuah! I can't believe it! I didn't say it as loud as I did for the first time, but I still said it nonetheless. Augh, oh well, I guess I should try to expect a yes every time. That way I won't be so suprised. Anyway we taught her the first lesson right on her frontstep. Her name was Natalie and she was a 16 year old girl. She was actually kinda cute ^_^;; and I didn't know she was 16, Rachel's age ^_^;. Anyway we got a return appointment and we'll see how things go from there.
Oh so while it's still in my mind. Last Sunday I got to sing in the ward choir. If Dad things that our ward choir is small. Burbank 2nd ward choir pretty much consists of 4 teners (spelling >.<) 1 bass, 6 sapranos and 1 alto. Yeah pretty dang small. That's why I thought I would support them and I soooo enjoyed myself. We sang an awesome arrangement of "I would fallow the" Everytime I sing a song I try to sing it as if I where bearing my testimony and it has really changed my outlook on music in general. "Lord may I learn to love the" We have to learn to love our Lord? Thinking about that I actually thought. Yeah, we do, everytime we come accross people we don't generally like, by loving them, we can learn to love our Lord as well. Sweet! ^_^ But yeah, the Choir directer says that she loves my voice. She said I was really good, and that that really means something because she's a profesor at the music department at USC. Wow! So yeah that was pretty neat ^_^.
Oh and I should mention Micheal Skews as well. He's less active member who works at the Family History center. We teach him every Friday because pretty much no one goes to the Family History Center and we must figure that he's pretty dang bored all by himself. After a couple of weeks of teaching him he's actually been going back to church. It's really awesome to see him progress. He's really cool too. He freakin met Motley Crue AND Ted Nugent! He said that he repaired Ted Nugent's guitar one time and that Ted still remember his name after a couple of months later. He was also in a band on time. He showed me pictures and he had the crazy big hear 80s band going with the make up and leather pants and everything! He has led a very interesting life, but he says that living according to church standards is way much better. He's also a very huge Kiss fan as well. He's got all the murchandise and everything including the Pin ball machine who he got Kiss to sign! Hehehe I think I don't need to say any more about this guy. He just proves to me that I was born in the wrong decade ^_^;; Heheh.
Anyway one last thing I will mention. I have actually had my first challange this week. There is this very less active member, Bro. Duncan. This guy can taaaaaaalk. He has also led an interesting life. He lived during the great depression and served in World War 2. He is really into Cow boys and Glen Miller and stuff. He is also hard of hearing becuase he has been a truck driver all his life. He tells soooo many stories and it's really hard to even get one word in because he can't hear you and he keeps talking. He kind of reminds me of Abe Simpson except more loud and boisterous ^_^;. Anyway my companion told me that I should give teaching him a shot. I have already watched how he did it. Pretty much you ask him questions and let him teach the lesson to himself. It's a great plan. So I tried that and it was so hard. I managed to got one or two princeples of the first lesson, but he had questions himself. He asked why bad things happen to some good people. I tried teaching about opposition, but he went off on a tangent about the Holocauste and then a long ranting story about his friend and the Russians and stuff. I shared a scripture in 2 Nephi, but he didn't really understand. My companion saved me and talked about agency. He really understood and then just kept talking going on yet another tangent. After we left I felt so frustrated. I felt like I couldn't help him and apply book of mormon teachings to him. My companion told me to just keep trying and that this is a hard person to teach. He said that Bro. Duncan is probably going to teach me more of how to be a good missionary than everyone else at this time. I believe him and I'm going to do everything I can to Rely on the spirit and be strong and assertive. Something I'm not really used to doing because I'm so laid back and easy going ^_^;. I believe I did do one thing right though. I shared John 3:16 (I think that's it) Where it talks about that God so loves the world that he sent his only begotten son. I believe that really helped him, and it was a good way to end the lesson. I'll keep you updated and let you know how I'm learning from him.
Anyway I'll address you guys individually
Mom: Thanks so much for sending me the link to my blog. I'll take a look at it sometime soon. I'm glad that Rachel is alright. To bad about the car though ^_^;;. . Anyway I love you mom and I hope you have a great day today
Dad: I hope your business trip was good. Mom told me you slept a whole bunch. I hope you get plenty of rest so you can get back to the ol' grind again. That's pretty cool that you took Mom to Avatar. I am SOOOO jelouse that I can't see that >_<. Ohh well that's why DVD's where invented ^_^. Anyway I love you too and I hope things are going well with you.
Rachel: YOU CRAAASHED! Haaa haaa XD Heh I'm just kidding. I'm so sorry you crashed, but it's alright. We all have to have our first crash. I had one on my 2nd week out on the mission. I crashed my bike into the pole and took out the reflector. See! Everyone has to have first. Now you don't have to worry because you got that first crash out of the way. I hope all is well and that you are still hanging in there. Be safe Sis and know that I am always thinking about you and that I love you very much.
I love you all family I hope you guys have an awesome week. Until next week. PEACE!
-Elder Clark
So today is the start of my 2nd Transfer! (Transfers are every 6 weeks) So just 15 or 16 (I can't remember) To go. Woo!
So this week was pretty great! We got yet another investigator! It was awesome! We were knocking doors in an appartment complex and it was my turn to contact. So I told who we were and what we were doing and she said "Yeah sure!" The next thing I said you guys are not going to believe. I send the SAME thing that I said to my first successful contact. "really?" Guuah! I can't believe it! I didn't say it as loud as I did for the first time, but I still said it nonetheless. Augh, oh well, I guess I should try to expect a yes every time. That way I won't be so suprised. Anyway we taught her the first lesson right on her frontstep. Her name was Natalie and she was a 16 year old girl. She was actually kinda cute ^_^;; and I didn't know she was 16, Rachel's age ^_^;. Anyway we got a return appointment and we'll see how things go from there.
Oh so while it's still in my mind. Last Sunday I got to sing in the ward choir. If Dad things that our ward choir is small. Burbank 2nd ward choir pretty much consists of 4 teners (spelling >.<) 1 bass, 6 sapranos and 1 alto. Yeah pretty dang small. That's why I thought I would support them and I soooo enjoyed myself. We sang an awesome arrangement of "I would fallow the" Everytime I sing a song I try to sing it as if I where bearing my testimony and it has really changed my outlook on music in general. "Lord may I learn to love the" We have to learn to love our Lord? Thinking about that I actually thought. Yeah, we do, everytime we come accross people we don't generally like, by loving them, we can learn to love our Lord as well. Sweet! ^_^ But yeah, the Choir directer says that she loves my voice. She said I was really good, and that that really means something because she's a profesor at the music department at USC. Wow! So yeah that was pretty neat ^_^.
Oh and I should mention Micheal Skews as well. He's less active member who works at the Family History center. We teach him every Friday because pretty much no one goes to the Family History Center and we must figure that he's pretty dang bored all by himself. After a couple of weeks of teaching him he's actually been going back to church. It's really awesome to see him progress. He's really cool too. He freakin met Motley Crue AND Ted Nugent! He said that he repaired Ted Nugent's guitar one time and that Ted still remember his name after a couple of months later. He was also in a band on time. He showed me pictures and he had the crazy big hear 80s band going with the make up and leather pants and everything! He has led a very interesting life, but he says that living according to church standards is way much better. He's also a very huge Kiss fan as well. He's got all the murchandise and everything including the Pin ball machine who he got Kiss to sign! Hehehe I think I don't need to say any more about this guy. He just proves to me that I was born in the wrong decade ^_^;; Heheh.
Anyway one last thing I will mention. I have actually had my first challange this week. There is this very less active member, Bro. Duncan. This guy can taaaaaaalk. He has also led an interesting life. He lived during the great depression and served in World War 2. He is really into Cow boys and Glen Miller and stuff. He is also hard of hearing becuase he has been a truck driver all his life. He tells soooo many stories and it's really hard to even get one word in because he can't hear you and he keeps talking. He kind of reminds me of Abe Simpson except more loud and boisterous ^_^;. Anyway my companion told me that I should give teaching him a shot. I have already watched how he did it. Pretty much you ask him questions and let him teach the lesson to himself. It's a great plan. So I tried that and it was so hard. I managed to got one or two princeples of the first lesson, but he had questions himself. He asked why bad things happen to some good people. I tried teaching about opposition, but he went off on a tangent about the Holocauste and then a long ranting story about his friend and the Russians and stuff. I shared a scripture in 2 Nephi, but he didn't really understand. My companion saved me and talked about agency. He really understood and then just kept talking going on yet another tangent. After we left I felt so frustrated. I felt like I couldn't help him and apply book of mormon teachings to him. My companion told me to just keep trying and that this is a hard person to teach. He said that Bro. Duncan is probably going to teach me more of how to be a good missionary than everyone else at this time. I believe him and I'm going to do everything I can to Rely on the spirit and be strong and assertive. Something I'm not really used to doing because I'm so laid back and easy going ^_^;. I believe I did do one thing right though. I shared John 3:16 (I think that's it) Where it talks about that God so loves the world that he sent his only begotten son. I believe that really helped him, and it was a good way to end the lesson. I'll keep you updated and let you know how I'm learning from him.
Anyway I'll address you guys individually
Mom: Thanks so much for sending me the link to my blog. I'll take a look at it sometime soon. I'm glad that Rachel is alright. To bad about the car though ^_^;;. . Anyway I love you mom and I hope you have a great day today
Dad: I hope your business trip was good. Mom told me you slept a whole bunch. I hope you get plenty of rest so you can get back to the ol' grind again. That's pretty cool that you took Mom to Avatar. I am SOOOO jelouse that I can't see that >_<. Ohh well that's why DVD's where invented ^_^. Anyway I love you too and I hope things are going well with you.
Rachel: YOU CRAAASHED! Haaa haaa XD Heh I'm just kidding. I'm so sorry you crashed, but it's alright. We all have to have our first crash. I had one on my 2nd week out on the mission. I crashed my bike into the pole and took out the reflector. See! Everyone has to have first. Now you don't have to worry because you got that first crash out of the way. I hope all is well and that you are still hanging in there. Be safe Sis and know that I am always thinking about you and that I love you very much.
I love you all family I hope you guys have an awesome week. Until next week. PEACE!
-Elder Clark
Monday, February 15, 2010
Another Prep Day...another letter.
Heeeey Family! ^_^
Another P-Day Another letter. Hurray!
So this week was pretty eventful. I'll give you guys some of the highlights
This week we had interviews with the President Martin and his wife. My first interview Woot ^(^o^)^. I can't tell you how nice those two are. I found out that President Martin actually does a little martial arts as well! He showed me a little and it was pretty impressive. But yeah, he pretty much just asked me how things were going in my mission and how my companion is. I told him that it was really cool starting from nothing and then as we worked picking up several potentials and teaching a couple of people. I really hope I can see someone get babtized before I get transferred out of here. Whether it happens or not I will be fine, but I will be so excited if that happens. My companion Elder Alldredge has tought me so much, and has given me so much good times ^_^. He's a really funny guy and so down to earth. You can tell he really respects and cares for the people.
So that same day we tried to get free Grand Slams at Denny's but it was packed so we went home. We tried to get a couple of appointments but it POURED AGAIN! Ugh, we were so frustrated. We got to the house and no one was home. We decided to go home, dry off and go to the curch to teach a lesson to a person who hangs out in the family history center. When we finally dried off it wasn't raining anymore. Greeeaaaat -_-;. But anyway that day was kinda frustrating but still good because we at least got one lesson in. I've gotten good at teaching the first 3 lessons, but am still working on perfecting giving lessons 4 and 5 because they have to do with the commandments, laws, and ordanances. There are quite a lot.
So anyway along with my first interview. Last saturday I had my first Missionary Split! I got to pair up with an elder named Elder Krashiznik (cool name eh?) He thought I was soooo amusing. More amusing then I thought I could be ^_^;. Heheh he was great. I got to teach a girl named Cynthia that day. We read Mosiah Chapter 18 with her. She has had all of the lessons and we're trying to get her ready to be baptized, but she has a lot of doubts about it. She came up with lots of excuses: Family, friends, not knowing enough, even if the white clothes will show through when she gets wet! At that point I was prompted to share my experience of me about to be baptized. It was so amazing when I all of a sudden remember all the details and could say with surity that it truly happened. I'm sure you remember this Mom. I was really worried. Worried about a lot of things that were kind of ridiculous. I even remember the night before where I was crying because I was so worried. But I remember that when I was baptized and recieved the Holy Ghost. It was a wave of calmness and understanding. That was one of the best moments in my life. I'm so glad that I got baptized, and I have you, Mom and Dad, to thank for helping me experience that wonderful event. So I shared this and informed her that she shouldn't feel pressured. I told her that we are there to merely teach and guide. She needs to find out for herself if this is right and if she should do it. I know that if she prays in faith she will recieve that answer. She ended up settling on a REALLY far away date for her babtism. She feels comfortable with August. I wonder if she will pull up that date when she gets a more sure answer and gains more faith. I hope that Elder Krashiznic will let me know how things will turn out with her. I had really good feeling and I really enjoyed being able to remember my experience of baptism.
Well that's it for this week. It was really awesome and I made sure to write it in my Journal. I write as much as I can in my Journal
Before I address you guys seperately, I would like to make a small request. I've already listened to all the music that I have and I'm kinda board. If you guys could. It would like a CD player to be able to play the CD you guys gave me for Christmas and a couple of CD's. Game Soundtracts and Movie Soundtracts are totally acceptable. Josh Groben is good too ^_^. Please don't feel obligated to get this to me, but this is merely a request. Thank you guys so much and I love you guys so much.
Mom: Wow I can't believe all the Snow you got there. It's to bad that Dad is really busy and going on all of those business trips. Just try to take one day at a time mom and remember that you are never alone, and you are absolutely right. It's those tough times where we learn the most. I know that I have learned a ton and have learned to appreciate so much that I have because I am on a mission. I have come to love you guys so much and miss you guys, but that drives me and makes me want to help other families be together forever because of that. So everything happens for a reason and if we continue forth in faith we will prevail and we will be happier in the end. Thanks for the Valantines day card. The Elders teased me a lot and said it was from my girlfriend XD. I really appreciate it though, and the Elders think you are so cool because you are an office fan! We play that card aaalll the time. Also Elder Alldredge (my companion) Has seen a couple of pictures of you and says you are very beautiful. ^_^ Anyway Take care mom, and I love you so much
Dad: Wow so many business trips huh!? Well I hope that you aren't too stressed out. Thanks for sharing your experience that you have had. I will try to follow the spirit as much as I can so I can help out in any way possible. The frustrating thing is that sometimes there isn't much I can do. Just be there is the best thing I can do I suppose. So anyway I hope things are going well with your business. My companion thinks you are the coolest because yo play games and stuff. Congrads on finishing the Metal Gear Series. You should see how long the game takes by skipping all the cut scenes XD. It will probably be kind of dissapointing on how short the game is ^_^;. Still awesome though. Anyway Travis and Adam has sent me letters every now and then. It's so hard to write everyone though because we are all so busy. Oh! and also. I am in an English area. I don't know if I forgot to mention that but yeah they teach Spanish, but you could end up being in a English area your whole mission. That's only if you don't want to speak spanish though. I definately want to learn Spanish so bad. OR! It would be awesome to be put in the Korean Ward! Yeah we have a couple of those too. But I doubt it ^_^;. I could get a Korean companion that would be pretty sweet. Anyway Take care and keep it real!
Rachel: Wow I forgot to talk about your NEW BOYFRIEND! Heheh I hope he's a great guy ^_^. I'm glad to hear that it's a pretty chill relationship. That's good make sure to keep it that way. I hope school is going good, and I hope your athiest friend is doing alright too. Let me know how Chris is doing as well. I've heard that he's decided to go into the Marines. Tell him I wish him the best of luck and I hope all will be well for him. I will keep him in my prayers.
Well I'm pretty much done for today. I love you all so much. Take care
-Elder Clark
Another P-Day Another letter. Hurray!
So this week was pretty eventful. I'll give you guys some of the highlights
This week we had interviews with the President Martin and his wife. My first interview Woot ^(^o^)^. I can't tell you how nice those two are. I found out that President Martin actually does a little martial arts as well! He showed me a little and it was pretty impressive. But yeah, he pretty much just asked me how things were going in my mission and how my companion is. I told him that it was really cool starting from nothing and then as we worked picking up several potentials and teaching a couple of people. I really hope I can see someone get babtized before I get transferred out of here. Whether it happens or not I will be fine, but I will be so excited if that happens. My companion Elder Alldredge has tought me so much, and has given me so much good times ^_^. He's a really funny guy and so down to earth. You can tell he really respects and cares for the people.
So that same day we tried to get free Grand Slams at Denny's but it was packed so we went home. We tried to get a couple of appointments but it POURED AGAIN! Ugh, we were so frustrated. We got to the house and no one was home. We decided to go home, dry off and go to the curch to teach a lesson to a person who hangs out in the family history center. When we finally dried off it wasn't raining anymore. Greeeaaaat -_-;. But anyway that day was kinda frustrating but still good because we at least got one lesson in. I've gotten good at teaching the first 3 lessons, but am still working on perfecting giving lessons 4 and 5 because they have to do with the commandments, laws, and ordanances. There are quite a lot.
So anyway along with my first interview. Last saturday I had my first Missionary Split! I got to pair up with an elder named Elder Krashiznik (cool name eh?) He thought I was soooo amusing. More amusing then I thought I could be ^_^;. Heheh he was great. I got to teach a girl named Cynthia that day. We read Mosiah Chapter 18 with her. She has had all of the lessons and we're trying to get her ready to be baptized, but she has a lot of doubts about it. She came up with lots of excuses: Family, friends, not knowing enough, even if the white clothes will show through when she gets wet! At that point I was prompted to share my experience of me about to be baptized. It was so amazing when I all of a sudden remember all the details and could say with surity that it truly happened. I'm sure you remember this Mom. I was really worried. Worried about a lot of things that were kind of ridiculous. I even remember the night before where I was crying because I was so worried. But I remember that when I was baptized and recieved the Holy Ghost. It was a wave of calmness and understanding. That was one of the best moments in my life. I'm so glad that I got baptized, and I have you, Mom and Dad, to thank for helping me experience that wonderful event. So I shared this and informed her that she shouldn't feel pressured. I told her that we are there to merely teach and guide. She needs to find out for herself if this is right and if she should do it. I know that if she prays in faith she will recieve that answer. She ended up settling on a REALLY far away date for her babtism. She feels comfortable with August. I wonder if she will pull up that date when she gets a more sure answer and gains more faith. I hope that Elder Krashiznic will let me know how things will turn out with her. I had really good feeling and I really enjoyed being able to remember my experience of baptism.
Well that's it for this week. It was really awesome and I made sure to write it in my Journal. I write as much as I can in my Journal
Before I address you guys seperately, I would like to make a small request. I've already listened to all the music that I have and I'm kinda board. If you guys could. It would like a CD player to be able to play the CD you guys gave me for Christmas and a couple of CD's. Game Soundtracts and Movie Soundtracts are totally acceptable. Josh Groben is good too ^_^. Please don't feel obligated to get this to me, but this is merely a request. Thank you guys so much and I love you guys so much.
Mom: Wow I can't believe all the Snow you got there. It's to bad that Dad is really busy and going on all of those business trips. Just try to take one day at a time mom and remember that you are never alone, and you are absolutely right. It's those tough times where we learn the most. I know that I have learned a ton and have learned to appreciate so much that I have because I am on a mission. I have come to love you guys so much and miss you guys, but that drives me and makes me want to help other families be together forever because of that. So everything happens for a reason and if we continue forth in faith we will prevail and we will be happier in the end. Thanks for the Valantines day card. The Elders teased me a lot and said it was from my girlfriend XD. I really appreciate it though, and the Elders think you are so cool because you are an office fan! We play that card aaalll the time. Also Elder Alldredge (my companion) Has seen a couple of pictures of you and says you are very beautiful. ^_^ Anyway Take care mom, and I love you so much
Dad: Wow so many business trips huh!? Well I hope that you aren't too stressed out. Thanks for sharing your experience that you have had. I will try to follow the spirit as much as I can so I can help out in any way possible. The frustrating thing is that sometimes there isn't much I can do. Just be there is the best thing I can do I suppose. So anyway I hope things are going well with your business. My companion thinks you are the coolest because yo play games and stuff. Congrads on finishing the Metal Gear Series. You should see how long the game takes by skipping all the cut scenes XD. It will probably be kind of dissapointing on how short the game is ^_^;. Still awesome though. Anyway Travis and Adam has sent me letters every now and then. It's so hard to write everyone though because we are all so busy. Oh! and also. I am in an English area. I don't know if I forgot to mention that but yeah they teach Spanish, but you could end up being in a English area your whole mission. That's only if you don't want to speak spanish though. I definately want to learn Spanish so bad. OR! It would be awesome to be put in the Korean Ward! Yeah we have a couple of those too. But I doubt it ^_^;. I could get a Korean companion that would be pretty sweet. Anyway Take care and keep it real!
Rachel: Wow I forgot to talk about your NEW BOYFRIEND! Heheh I hope he's a great guy ^_^. I'm glad to hear that it's a pretty chill relationship. That's good make sure to keep it that way. I hope school is going good, and I hope your athiest friend is doing alright too. Let me know how Chris is doing as well. I've heard that he's decided to go into the Marines. Tell him I wish him the best of luck and I hope all will be well for him. I will keep him in my prayers.
Well I'm pretty much done for today. I love you all so much. Take care
-Elder Clark
Hiya Family!!
Hey Family!
Well This week was fantastic as always. We had a lot of appointments drop on us and stuff but I still have one really awkward, but great experience that I would like to share.
First of all you will notice that I'm using my G-mail accout, because I wanted to send pictures, but for some reason it doesn't work, so as to not waste time I'm still using this.
Anyway Last Friday I got to meet this guy named Shane. Him and his son where have a really rough time. His son drinks a lot and takes his dad's money. It was really sad. All the dad wanted was for the son to at least ask and show some respect to him, but he refuses to give it to him. That day he came home and he was packing his stuff and getting ready to leave and he was acting all upity. That part was very awkward and very sad to see. It got to the point where the son immaturally called the police, and the police acted just as uppity and made the father feel like the bad guy. I didn't know what to do. I really wanted to help, but in those situations all you really can do is be there for the guy. You know? So at the end of all of the drama the father finally said. "Ahh, I just want to get my mind off of this . . . Can we have a lesson." My companion and I looked at each other and my companion said "sure. Let's read some scriptures" We decided to read 2 Nephi 1. It was when Lehi is talking to his sons for the last time before he dies. He pleads with Lamen and Lemuel to follow the words of Nephi and to shake off the shackles that Satan Has on them. By the end of the chapter I felt the spirit really strong and I bore my testimony. I told Shane (that was his name) that sometimes we have trials and challanges that hurt us because of other people, and this is because we have free agency given to all of us. We can't control what others do, but we can control what we do. I likened his situation to Lehi's. At that moment I could really feel for Lehi and his want for his sons to be rightouse and partake of the fruit from the tree of life. Think of how miserable he must of felt when Lamen and Lemuel despite all that they have gone through still didn't listen. It made me sad, and it made me sad for Shane as well. I told him that things like this can happen, but I testified that the happen for a reason. That if we trust in the Lord and be as Nephi. Even when he was bound by cords on a ship for 4 days He said that he allowed it to happen because there was a great reason the Lord was letting this happen. Everything has a reason, and if we ask ourselves "What do I need to do?" "How can I learn from this?" Then we can witness the miracles, the blessings and the power that Heavenly Father can give us.
I bore my testimony last Sunday and told of my experiences that I have had so far in the mission field. Remember the story about the Scientology Lady? I'm pretty sure I told it, but if I haven't I'm sorry ^_^;;. Long story short I was redicilously antsy and nervous the whole time and I was sick of it. It was such a stupid thing to be nervous about and I was fed up. I didn't want to be nervous anymore. I wanted to have unceasing confidence, power, and authority while I teach and while I contact people. My companion Elder Alldredge taught me a wonderful lesson. He told me to trust in the Lord to know what to say. He told me not to think about what I was going to say, which is what I have been doing up until now. He told me to not think and just open my mouth. This is something I had never done and have never cared to try. So I remember one distinct night. I knelt down to pray and prayed for that strangth and trust and the ability to speak and be given exactly what I need to say at the right moment. it is amazing the change that happened to me guys. I go into a lesson knowing the outline of what I should say, but not exactly what I'm going to say, but when it comes time for me to speak. I don't think. I just speak and it flows so much smoother. Way smoother then it was when I was thinking what I should say next and planning things out specifically. Family, I know the spirit gives us EXACTLY what we need to say and do. It guides and directs us. I have seen it happen to me. I am able to communicate so much clearer. I mean! It's happening right now!. I had no idea was I was gonna write, but look at me now :P Heheh ^_^. Anyway That was great.
So besides those to events. We have been really trying to find new investigators. We haven't got a chance to see Debbie and Gred (The Jewish mom and son) . The Duncans (The family I contacted and said "REALLY!?" When they said yes) seem a little skeptical about 3 hours of church. I wasn't there because I was on splits, but my companion said that they said just to try it out, and have the faith and see for themselves instead of just not trying. They said they would give it a shot. We also have another family that we got from the other elders. Her name is Carla and she also homeschools two kids and has two jobs! Wow, how does she do it ?^_^;;. One of her kids may have audtism, but she definately has a strong testimony and it's amazing to see how so prepared she is to hear the gospel. She said she has been searchign for a church, and that all the other churches just don't seem right. I really feel good about her as well, but it's gonna be hard with her busy schedual.
Oh! and on a side note I actually have met some famouse people here! It's amazing how many there are in Burbank. Well, I suppose that's what you get by living in the same area where Cartoon Network, NBC, WB, and Nickalodeon is ^_^. Any I saw JOHN HEATER! The guy who playe Napoleon Dynomite. He was sitting write behind me during stake conference. I was flippin out XD. I also got to see the guy who does the concept art for Bolt and other Pixar movies like Up. It was super awesome! I have yet to see Jay Leno. I hear he's easy to spot cause he's always driving really nice cars.
Well that's about it. Time to address you guys specifically like a good son/brother ;)
Mom: I got the chance to read your letter. I'm glad that my letters provide you with that joy. If there is something that I enjoy more than anything, it is bringing joy to others, especially my dear mother ^_^. It's awesome that Gavin got to come, and it's so wierd to hear that Rachel is driving around and doing the same stuff that I used to do with my friends. Ohh man. Let her know to enjoy those times while they last ^_^. Anyway to answer your questiong our appartment is pretty good. We get a nice view from the window to the streets of Burbank. As far as cooking is concerned. I haven't really gotten into that. I've pretty much stuck to the basic sandwhiches and cereal for now. I'm planning on getting some tortillas to make breakfast borritos. Yeah I'm living the collage life XD. But the members provide very good dinners for us so we're good, and don't worry about me and laundry. I've haven't turned any white clothes pink yet so I must be doing something right ;). I love you mom I hope you have a great day
Dad: Hey Dad! I CAN'T BELIEVE the prank that happened to me happened to you as well. That is so crazy! Ha, anyway if you want to put games on the psp, just search out for the ISO online and just drag and drop it into the ISO folder just like any other drive
Well Rachel I LOVE YOU. I already wrote you so I'll say good bye
I love you family take care!
--
-Danny Clark
Well This week was fantastic as always. We had a lot of appointments drop on us and stuff but I still have one really awkward, but great experience that I would like to share.
First of all you will notice that I'm using my G-mail accout, because I wanted to send pictures, but for some reason it doesn't work, so as to not waste time I'm still using this.
Anyway Last Friday I got to meet this guy named Shane. Him and his son where have a really rough time. His son drinks a lot and takes his dad's money. It was really sad. All the dad wanted was for the son to at least ask and show some respect to him, but he refuses to give it to him. That day he came home and he was packing his stuff and getting ready to leave and he was acting all upity. That part was very awkward and very sad to see. It got to the point where the son immaturally called the police, and the police acted just as uppity and made the father feel like the bad guy. I didn't know what to do. I really wanted to help, but in those situations all you really can do is be there for the guy. You know? So at the end of all of the drama the father finally said. "Ahh, I just want to get my mind off of this . . . Can we have a lesson." My companion and I looked at each other and my companion said "sure. Let's read some scriptures" We decided to read 2 Nephi 1. It was when Lehi is talking to his sons for the last time before he dies. He pleads with Lamen and Lemuel to follow the words of Nephi and to shake off the shackles that Satan Has on them. By the end of the chapter I felt the spirit really strong and I bore my testimony. I told Shane (that was his name) that sometimes we have trials and challanges that hurt us because of other people, and this is because we have free agency given to all of us. We can't control what others do, but we can control what we do. I likened his situation to Lehi's. At that moment I could really feel for Lehi and his want for his sons to be rightouse and partake of the fruit from the tree of life. Think of how miserable he must of felt when Lamen and Lemuel despite all that they have gone through still didn't listen. It made me sad, and it made me sad for Shane as well. I told him that things like this can happen, but I testified that the happen for a reason. That if we trust in the Lord and be as Nephi. Even when he was bound by cords on a ship for 4 days He said that he allowed it to happen because there was a great reason the Lord was letting this happen. Everything has a reason, and if we ask ourselves "What do I need to do?" "How can I learn from this?" Then we can witness the miracles, the blessings and the power that Heavenly Father can give us.
I bore my testimony last Sunday and told of my experiences that I have had so far in the mission field. Remember the story about the Scientology Lady? I'm pretty sure I told it, but if I haven't I'm sorry ^_^;;. Long story short I was redicilously antsy and nervous the whole time and I was sick of it. It was such a stupid thing to be nervous about and I was fed up. I didn't want to be nervous anymore. I wanted to have unceasing confidence, power, and authority while I teach and while I contact people. My companion Elder Alldredge taught me a wonderful lesson. He told me to trust in the Lord to know what to say. He told me not to think about what I was going to say, which is what I have been doing up until now. He told me to not think and just open my mouth. This is something I had never done and have never cared to try. So I remember one distinct night. I knelt down to pray and prayed for that strangth and trust and the ability to speak and be given exactly what I need to say at the right moment. it is amazing the change that happened to me guys. I go into a lesson knowing the outline of what I should say, but not exactly what I'm going to say, but when it comes time for me to speak. I don't think. I just speak and it flows so much smoother. Way smoother then it was when I was thinking what I should say next and planning things out specifically. Family, I know the spirit gives us EXACTLY what we need to say and do. It guides and directs us. I have seen it happen to me. I am able to communicate so much clearer. I mean! It's happening right now!. I had no idea was I was gonna write, but look at me now :P Heheh ^_^. Anyway That was great.
So besides those to events. We have been really trying to find new investigators. We haven't got a chance to see Debbie and Gred (The Jewish mom and son) . The Duncans (The family I contacted and said "REALLY!?" When they said yes) seem a little skeptical about 3 hours of church. I wasn't there because I was on splits, but my companion said that they said just to try it out, and have the faith and see for themselves instead of just not trying. They said they would give it a shot. We also have another family that we got from the other elders. Her name is Carla and she also homeschools two kids and has two jobs! Wow, how does she do it ?^_^;;. One of her kids may have audtism, but she definately has a strong testimony and it's amazing to see how so prepared she is to hear the gospel. She said she has been searchign for a church, and that all the other churches just don't seem right. I really feel good about her as well, but it's gonna be hard with her busy schedual.
Oh! and on a side note I actually have met some famouse people here! It's amazing how many there are in Burbank. Well, I suppose that's what you get by living in the same area where Cartoon Network, NBC, WB, and Nickalodeon is ^_^. Any I saw JOHN HEATER! The guy who playe Napoleon Dynomite. He was sitting write behind me during stake conference. I was flippin out XD. I also got to see the guy who does the concept art for Bolt and other Pixar movies like Up. It was super awesome! I have yet to see Jay Leno. I hear he's easy to spot cause he's always driving really nice cars.
Well that's about it. Time to address you guys specifically like a good son/brother ;)
Mom: I got the chance to read your letter. I'm glad that my letters provide you with that joy. If there is something that I enjoy more than anything, it is bringing joy to others, especially my dear mother ^_^. It's awesome that Gavin got to come, and it's so wierd to hear that Rachel is driving around and doing the same stuff that I used to do with my friends. Ohh man. Let her know to enjoy those times while they last ^_^. Anyway to answer your questiong our appartment is pretty good. We get a nice view from the window to the streets of Burbank. As far as cooking is concerned. I haven't really gotten into that. I've pretty much stuck to the basic sandwhiches and cereal for now. I'm planning on getting some tortillas to make breakfast borritos. Yeah I'm living the collage life XD. But the members provide very good dinners for us so we're good, and don't worry about me and laundry. I've haven't turned any white clothes pink yet so I must be doing something right ;). I love you mom I hope you have a great day
Dad: Hey Dad! I CAN'T BELIEVE the prank that happened to me happened to you as well. That is so crazy! Ha, anyway if you want to put games on the psp, just search out for the ISO online and just drag and drop it into the ISO folder just like any other drive
Well Rachel I LOVE YOU. I already wrote you so I'll say good bye
I love you family take care!
--
-Danny Clark
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Another week...ANOTHER investigator!
Heeeeey Family!
So this one is gonna be short (Sorry I'm kind of running out of time. I have a lot of e-mails to send)
I'm so greatful that all three of you guys send really good e-mails to me. I didn't have time to read them now, but I'm going to print them out and read them later. But for now I'm going to fill you guys in on what happened.
So we got to contact a couple of people who actually said yes when we contacted them on their door step ^(^o^)^. It was soooo great! The first one's name is Greg Turner. Him and his mom, Debbie Turner, live in a little apartment and they are Jewish. They weren't interested in hearing our message because they are trying to stick with TRADITION *fiddler on the roof impression*. So we just sat down and talk and the Debbie was soo nice to us. She even gave us a couple of bucks because she felt like that we were "special people" that she gives to those who she believes should deserve it. She's not anti-religion and she is very open minded. I have a feeling that as we gain their trust they may feel what we have to share is important.
The Second Family is a family of Four. The father wasn't there but the mother Linda Duncan and her son and daughter a really great. When I contacted her son for the first time and he said "Yeah sure that sounds good." I was so excited that I shouted "REALLY!?" Without even thinking about it XD. My companion makes fun of me for that alot, but anyway we later found out that they were in the process of finding a church, and that Linda was actually talking about it to her mother right as we contacted her house. That just has Golden Investigator written all over it. So we gave the message and Linda gave us a very spiritual experience where she prayed because she had a suspecious MRI scan done by the doctors. She said it was a very tangable feeling that started from her head down to her toes. It was a very strong experience and I let her know that the spirit can always do that for her and provide her with comfort and peace. I also had the prevaladge to share the part of the discussion about Joseph Smith. When I shared that I really felt the spirit guiding me, and while I was in the middle of it the phone rang as well, but Linda just turned the phone off and quitly said keep going. Ohhh man, I just felt so great! We're going to check up on that family this week and watch the Resteration video with her and her family. Hopefully they husband might be there as well.
That was such an awesome experience and it just made my day. It trully testified to me that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that he did see God and Jesus Christ standing in the air above him. I hope you guys get the chance to sit together and read that story again, because it truly was a maraculous event that trully happened. I know it! I know it with all my heart!
Well once again I am so sorry for the short letter, but I hope you enjoyed it nonetheless. I will have more time next week and I will have read the letters your guys wrote me last time so I will be able to reply to you guys seperately. Hope you guys have a wonderful day and keep up the good work. Take care and I love you all so much
-Elder Clark
So this one is gonna be short (Sorry I'm kind of running out of time. I have a lot of e-mails to send)
I'm so greatful that all three of you guys send really good e-mails to me. I didn't have time to read them now, but I'm going to print them out and read them later. But for now I'm going to fill you guys in on what happened.
So we got to contact a couple of people who actually said yes when we contacted them on their door step ^(^o^)^. It was soooo great! The first one's name is Greg Turner. Him and his mom, Debbie Turner, live in a little apartment and they are Jewish. They weren't interested in hearing our message because they are trying to stick with TRADITION *fiddler on the roof impression*. So we just sat down and talk and the Debbie was soo nice to us. She even gave us a couple of bucks because she felt like that we were "special people" that she gives to those who she believes should deserve it. She's not anti-religion and she is very open minded. I have a feeling that as we gain their trust they may feel what we have to share is important.
The Second Family is a family of Four. The father wasn't there but the mother Linda Duncan and her son and daughter a really great. When I contacted her son for the first time and he said "Yeah sure that sounds good." I was so excited that I shouted "REALLY!?" Without even thinking about it XD. My companion makes fun of me for that alot, but anyway we later found out that they were in the process of finding a church, and that Linda was actually talking about it to her mother right as we contacted her house. That just has Golden Investigator written all over it. So we gave the message and Linda gave us a very spiritual experience where she prayed because she had a suspecious MRI scan done by the doctors. She said it was a very tangable feeling that started from her head down to her toes. It was a very strong experience and I let her know that the spirit can always do that for her and provide her with comfort and peace. I also had the prevaladge to share the part of the discussion about Joseph Smith. When I shared that I really felt the spirit guiding me, and while I was in the middle of it the phone rang as well, but Linda just turned the phone off and quitly said keep going. Ohhh man, I just felt so great! We're going to check up on that family this week and watch the Resteration video with her and her family. Hopefully they husband might be there as well.
That was such an awesome experience and it just made my day. It trully testified to me that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that he did see God and Jesus Christ standing in the air above him. I hope you guys get the chance to sit together and read that story again, because it truly was a maraculous event that trully happened. I know it! I know it with all my heart!
Well once again I am so sorry for the short letter, but I hope you enjoyed it nonetheless. I will have more time next week and I will have read the letters your guys wrote me last time so I will be able to reply to you guys seperately. Hope you guys have a wonderful day and keep up the good work. Take care and I love you all so much
-Elder Clark
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
And the work continues
Hey Family!
Thanks for the wonderful e-mail mom. You know how much I love those. I'm glad you enjoyed hearing my wonderful voice. I certainly enjoyed talking to you as well.
Alright so heres the report.
This week it RAIIIIINED! Sooooo much! My companion and I straped our helmits on and said "This is what seperates the men from the boys!" and we proceeded to do some epic tracting in the rain. Lots of people thought we were crazy, but we knew that rain or shine we WORK! Woot! heheh. Anyway we tracted a lot in the rain. I may have not metnioned but our area is low on investiagtors and we have been trying to do everything we can to get some more by tracting and getting member refferals and stuff. The first success we got was when this guy named Greg said that it would be alright to come by another time to share our message. When he closed the door and we left I was like "Did that just happen!?" I was so excited it was great ^_^. Him and his mom Debbie are Jewish and they don't seem to be that interested in the church, but the Mom, Debbie seemed to see something special in us. She said "I'm not anti-religion. All I ask is... if they are good people." I really love her attitude and I can't wait to see where it goes from there. She had her brother die 4 years ago and she is still lamenting over that loss. Perhaps the gospel can bring her comfort from that.
This is kinda funny. I was tracting this time. I usually get the usual "no thanks" or "I'm Catholic" or stuff like that, so when this guy named Nick said "Yeah sure, I'll listen to your message." I excitedly blirted out "REALLY!?" XD It was pretty funny. Me and the Elders laugh about that all the time. We also laugh about the time where I tried this crazy street contact method. My teacher in the MTC said that sometimes they would ask people on the street "Are you Mormon?" and he said that they got lots of success with that because it led into teaching about what Mormons were and stuff. So, I tried it and this lady said "Yeaaah, I know who you guys are, and I'm not interested." I replied "Alright thank you have a good night" and as we walked away she laughed and yelled "Nice Try!" XD oooohhh man good times.
Lastly me and my companion stumbled into a Scientology store while we were tracting in the Mall :O!!!. When I walked into the store and saw Ron L. Hubberd's name plastered everywhere I was noooot in my happy place. She wanted to give me a "stress test." She gave me these two metal handles and the indicator would measure my "stress level". I've heard a lot of crazy things about scientologists and I thought they were going to perform shock therapy, because that is what they do sometimes, but that was just me and my wild imagination ^_^;;. So she asked a bunch of prying question all along the way pointing out when I was stressed. To be honest her pointing out my stress was stressful in itself ^_^;. This whole experience was also kind of testimony building because she asked if I ever felt alone, and I said "Sure sometimes, but I know that whenever I pray to my Heavenly Father, I know that I am never alone." When we left my companion said that the needle went down when I talked about that kind of stuff. I know that Heavenly Father is always with me no matter what. After that whole experience I kinda felt frustrated at myself because I was so rediculously nervous and antsy. I realize that I need to rely on the Lord for strength and then act!. I think by doing so I will be provided the strength needed to do what is needed. It's like in 1 Nephi Chapter 16 or 17 (I can't remember) It says at the beginning of one of those chapters that the women that they were traveling with were strong and where able to provide for their baby's. This is because they had faith and kept the commandments. I know that if I do that I will be strong and not be so nervous around people like that. I think I underestimate myself sometimes. I'm not gonna do that anymore. I'm going to rely on the lord and go out with the power and authority that I have, because I know that I am ready, and I was meant to be called here. You helped me realize that Mom. I'm so happy for you guys, and I'm so greatful for this gospel
So I got to go to church yesterday and I got to meet some of the ward members and bear my testimony because the bishop put me on the spot. I bore my testamony about the Christmas in the MTC and it lead really well into the talk about the Love of Christ and our Heavenly Father. When you guys think of the love of Heavenly Father and Christ, try to think of it this way. They do not hate Satan! Just think about that and then try to fathom the love they have for us.
Well I should wrap this up, Sorry I don't have time to address you guys individually, but I love you all and I hope you have a wonderful day.
-Elder Clark
P.S. My address in the mission home is
1730 Rogers Place #11
Burbank CA 91504
Thanks for the wonderful e-mail mom. You know how much I love those. I'm glad you enjoyed hearing my wonderful voice. I certainly enjoyed talking to you as well.
Alright so heres the report.
This week it RAIIIIINED! Sooooo much! My companion and I straped our helmits on and said "This is what seperates the men from the boys!" and we proceeded to do some epic tracting in the rain. Lots of people thought we were crazy, but we knew that rain or shine we WORK! Woot! heheh. Anyway we tracted a lot in the rain. I may have not metnioned but our area is low on investiagtors and we have been trying to do everything we can to get some more by tracting and getting member refferals and stuff. The first success we got was when this guy named Greg said that it would be alright to come by another time to share our message. When he closed the door and we left I was like "Did that just happen!?" I was so excited it was great ^_^. Him and his mom Debbie are Jewish and they don't seem to be that interested in the church, but the Mom, Debbie seemed to see something special in us. She said "I'm not anti-religion. All I ask is... if they are good people." I really love her attitude and I can't wait to see where it goes from there. She had her brother die 4 years ago and she is still lamenting over that loss. Perhaps the gospel can bring her comfort from that.
This is kinda funny. I was tracting this time. I usually get the usual "no thanks" or "I'm Catholic" or stuff like that, so when this guy named Nick said "Yeah sure, I'll listen to your message." I excitedly blirted out "REALLY!?" XD It was pretty funny. Me and the Elders laugh about that all the time. We also laugh about the time where I tried this crazy street contact method. My teacher in the MTC said that sometimes they would ask people on the street "Are you Mormon?" and he said that they got lots of success with that because it led into teaching about what Mormons were and stuff. So, I tried it and this lady said "Yeaaah, I know who you guys are, and I'm not interested." I replied "Alright thank you have a good night" and as we walked away she laughed and yelled "Nice Try!" XD oooohhh man good times.
Lastly me and my companion stumbled into a Scientology store while we were tracting in the Mall :O!!!. When I walked into the store and saw Ron L. Hubberd's name plastered everywhere I was noooot in my happy place. She wanted to give me a "stress test." She gave me these two metal handles and the indicator would measure my "stress level". I've heard a lot of crazy things about scientologists and I thought they were going to perform shock therapy, because that is what they do sometimes, but that was just me and my wild imagination ^_^;;. So she asked a bunch of prying question all along the way pointing out when I was stressed. To be honest her pointing out my stress was stressful in itself ^_^;. This whole experience was also kind of testimony building because she asked if I ever felt alone, and I said "Sure sometimes, but I know that whenever I pray to my Heavenly Father, I know that I am never alone." When we left my companion said that the needle went down when I talked about that kind of stuff. I know that Heavenly Father is always with me no matter what. After that whole experience I kinda felt frustrated at myself because I was so rediculously nervous and antsy. I realize that I need to rely on the Lord for strength and then act!. I think by doing so I will be provided the strength needed to do what is needed. It's like in 1 Nephi Chapter 16 or 17 (I can't remember) It says at the beginning of one of those chapters that the women that they were traveling with were strong and where able to provide for their baby's. This is because they had faith and kept the commandments. I know that if I do that I will be strong and not be so nervous around people like that. I think I underestimate myself sometimes. I'm not gonna do that anymore. I'm going to rely on the lord and go out with the power and authority that I have, because I know that I am ready, and I was meant to be called here. You helped me realize that Mom. I'm so happy for you guys, and I'm so greatful for this gospel
So I got to go to church yesterday and I got to meet some of the ward members and bear my testimony because the bishop put me on the spot. I bore my testamony about the Christmas in the MTC and it lead really well into the talk about the Love of Christ and our Heavenly Father. When you guys think of the love of Heavenly Father and Christ, try to think of it this way. They do not hate Satan! Just think about that and then try to fathom the love they have for us.
Well I should wrap this up, Sorry I don't have time to address you guys individually, but I love you all and I hope you have a wonderful day.
-Elder Clark
P.S. My address in the mission home is
1730 Rogers Place #11
Burbank CA 91504
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
