Hey Mom, Here's a quick letter. How's Hawaii? Heard the pineapple is ten times better than on the mainland, did you try any? We had Hawaiian food last Friday with a member for dinner, they actually knew Elder Sorensen's family. The food was amazing, the people are very down to earth, upbeat, relaxed and brown . Hope you're enjoying your time, and that Avery and Dad are enjoying theirs too. :) The temple was beautiful today. Just walking on the grounds alone the spirit was so strong. It makes me want to have a good habit upon arriving home where either once or twice a month we go to the temple for at least the time that we have together before school begins. There's so many things that go on in the temple, and for the fourth time I've been I still have no idea what goes on half the time during the sessions. It's still kinda weird. Moses and Genesis give somewhat of a better understanding at least (read those the other day), but I'm always learning new things. Which is good. We're currently in ATL traffic. We've been driving for forty minutes and have only traveled 5 miles. I actually like it, yet I can see why some people can be so grouchy. How I miss the city. We've fallen asleep and listened to several talks of past general conferences, President Monson, Elder Eyring, Elder Hales are only some of the many speakers we've heard. As I'm sitting here, the realization just came to me that is, All of these different men are prophets, called by God. Though I hardly know anything about their biographies, interests, or backgrounds, I still am very grateful for these saints because I know my testimony of the reality of God and the true message of our existence and souls purpose for wanting truth and obtaining happiness. Really this gospel makes perfect sense, we can choose to obtain knowledge of all other religions, philosophies, systems, and beliefs (and believe me I've studied many of them while out here on the mission) but in the end God's rules, laws, and order is the only one that matters. And again that goes to my testimony of the Book of Mormon which I am grateful to have, and hold both physically and digitally. I wish there was more I could do for y'all being so far away. I do hope you received a special delivery. Missing you and am always grateful that I was placed out here to learn and grow and that I see how important the examples you and dad played in my life. I love you guys very much. Soak up the sun and share the gospel! Lots of love, Your Son, elder adam black | Hey Homies, The recap for the week The goods// We had dinner with an investigators the Juarez family. It was her bros birthday he turned 6, we showed up to the party and forgot a gift so we ran to the dollar store to get a 5 buck helicopter (pretty legit). Anyway, the party was fun and Susan is doing well. They'll be coming to dinner tomorrow at the Bishop's. We got to go to the temple this past week. It was kinda of a surprise, but a real taste of good karma. Out here is definitely not like Utah where there's a temple on every other corner. The cathedrals, churches, and worship venues are all still really great to see nevertheless. The temple really is different on the grounds though. It's a learning experience every time you go. We had dinner last night with an NFL player, Paul Soliai. His wife is trying to get back into coming to church. He is not a Mormon. Really, really humble and friendly though, they fed us so much food. Actually they are related to Elder Sorensen (my companion) in some Polynesian way. Check it out! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Soliai The bads// Ricky (another investigator) is having a hard time keeping commitments. Just isn't up to change so fast. No real desires to come to church, or read, or try working. These times are always the hardest times, cause it's almost like you're the parent and you think you've messed up working and teaching the kids. Yet the thing we have to realize is that we all have agency and we can only invite and help. In the End// It sounds like the Black family is having a blast in Hawaii. What are the odds y'all got to meet Sorensen's familia. You are so lucky to see all the sites and sounds. Please send pictures, and I will try not to cry too much. Also, it's super expensive there, I'm told milk is about 8 bucks a gallon. That's definitely a happy cow. Have a great week, and y'all take care and safe travels where ever you go! love, elder adam black p.s. Rules for the iPads
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Hey home,
Tragedy or the remedy? These past few days have been up and down. I don't even know where to begin. But all I do know and all that we go through happens for a purpose. Since the accident last week I feel like there has been a lot of pondering and self reflecting for all of us in this green town over the death of our beloved friend, Sister Barnard. Without a doubt though she is still being an amazing missionary in places on the other side where people still need her help. I had just met Sister Barnard and Sister Beckstrom last week at the meeting with Elder Zwick, they were seated right in front of us. They were really nice and sweet. But to find out last Friday night that one of them was now dead made me feel very different yet very aware of how things that happen in life happen for a reason. The knowledge of the restored truths of Gods divine plan of happiness, the work of the restoration and the gospel of Jesus Christ have helped me and others able to see what others may call a tragedy really a triumph. Again I know God lives and he loves us. The companion now is Elder Sorensen, he is from Laie, Hawaii. He has been out for about 5 months, and hobbies back before the miss we're playing football for Weber State, surfing, cliff jumping, sports, music and hanging out with Lilo and Stitch. I love this guy to death, he's the first brown companion, so exciting! He says there's a room waiting for me anytime I want to go to Hawaii. He's got great spirits, and I feel like I'm already learning so much from him, it's a blessing for sure. Yesterday we attended a baptism in Lilburn for one of his investigators in his last area. It was a good spirit for all the other things that had happened this week, and after we attended another baptism in our ward. It was mighty miracles with this last minute baptism. Corey Walters, a guy the sisters were working with and who had been investigating the church for three years was baptized by Bro Garfield. Bro Garfield introduced the church, basically taught him all the lessons and Corey just last Friday decided he was ready. Goes to show though that no matter how long we share the gospel with friends with patience, love, and persistence in prayer they'll come around. What's great is that that happened for another gentlemen in our ward last week too. Bro Simmons (age 70) from a part member family will be baptized this coming weekend. The Lord has prepared places for us to harvest and plant. And he's preparing the hearts of his children through us. We may feel at times like Nephi when the angel asked him, "knowest thou the condescension of God?" And our reply may be the same as Nephi's: "I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things." (1 Nephi 11: 16-17) - President Bennion Well that's all and I've got to go, but thank you everyone who prayed and fasted for our missionary. Thank you for your support and help. Drive safe, and god bless! Love always, Elder black p.s. Congrats to Megan and James Clawson on their vows! Hey Home,
So... the "sitch":
Self reflecting this morning as the pages turn in the journal i use for studies. My mind was blown with the rubies and gems that the hours of 8am to 9am brought in these times past. Reflecting again, yet this time in a way, where the process and system of the Mission prepare you for ultimately what reality and life will throw at you. Joseph Smith was empowered and inspired by the verse, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." He put all soul, and passion in getting an answer, then by humility knelt in a grove of trees and prayed to have his question revealed. I don't know exactly why I wrote that, but really this week there wasn't anything that was just like "Aha! Wow! That was an amazing fantastic miracle" or "we just found a golden investigator" or even "Oh wow! That lesson was spectacular wish we could have recorded it." This week was good, but there wasn't a huge awakening per se. And I guess, that relates to Joseph Smith's vision, because the pattern of revelation is as the process of a rising sun or candles navigating through the fog. We keep in mind that God's timing is always different, yet similar. He want us to come unto him, but he wants us to learn and expereince the worst/best so we can know more of what we need to do to become as He is. You can turn on a light in several different ways. The Crawfords are doing great. We had BBQ dinner last night with them and the Peeks at the Peeks home, the menu was grilled Boston butt and chicken. SOO GOOD. Ricky is doing good, and Kayla is doing well too. There's a time to everything, a time to pluck up that which is planted. Love y'all, have a good one! elder adam black Hey Home,
What a week it's been; tiring, busy, moving and working. Yet still good. For a couple weeks now, we've been working on trying to move apartments. We lived at the bottom of our area, which was where our Sister Missionaries work, So if you can imagine, this part of the Lord's vineyard has been pretty watered and nourished almost as much as the heavy Georgia summer rain and humidity we've been getting (I'm still wet). But fortunately our trek up north was successful and happened rather miraculously. We've moved apartments, NEW ADDRESS BELOW. I'm still surprised how members, missionaries, and a moving truck were able to get over here and help on a days notice. Yet still mindful and grateful in remembrance that the Lord truly is and will provide a way for his work to progress. We now live next to Ricky and Kayla Crawford, and man is it so freaking awesome! Really the best thing. Saturday we had a BBQ with them and the Peeks Family (ward members). There are so many good things about to happen with this family. Kayla is super excited to go to the temple, Ricky came to church yesterday, and Penny, their 3 year old, even prayed for the first time. Ricky is now on date for baptism for June 10!!! :) Other than that, we did lots of service, mowing lawns and getting tons of pollen in the nostrils, painting, helping others finish moving. All that jazz. It was nice, and this week should be good. The principle of joy is one that has been on the mind lately. "Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have JOY." (2 Nephi 2:25) Joy can only take place if there be sorrow. And I guess I say this because it seems that whenever there is doubt discouragement, sadness, shame, guilt, misery, regret, loneliness, and lowliness, it's there because without it how could anyone ever feel so triumphant, brilliant, new, clean, proud, alive, happy, upbeat, rejoice, and relief. The gift of agency though allows us to move from the latter to a former, from one emotion and state of mind to another. Keep in mind though that wickedness never was happiness. To choose joy would then mean to choose good which is Christ. By so doing, it enables the change within ourself and what was dark is now light. Seems like the greater increase of joy though also includes an increase of sorrow, hence why the Saviour and Heavenly Father have the greatest everlasting joy, by completely fulfilling the infinite Atonement. "...It is finished."(John 19:30) what more excruciating pain could there have been? Though our burdens be there, they be not there to cause grief, but that experience might be met, faith exercised and for the personal benefit of progression into godliness. This then allows the benefit of our neighbors, our family, and everyone around us. What a wonderful hunkydory gospel. I'm grateful for these truths and grateful for all who have helped me. I would not be who I am with out you. I say that in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. So go be happy this week and share it with others! That to me just feels like another thrill of life. School's are getting out, so that means hopefully more people to contact and teach. We'll have a training on Wednesday with Elder Zwick for the iPads we'll get June 2. Y'all have a grande Memorial Day! Love, elder adam black NEW ADDRESS: 4330 Strickland Road Unit 2 Flowery Branch, GA 30542 |
AuthorThe pretty chill and legit parentals of Elder Black, Tiffany and Henry Black. Archives
September 2015
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