What
a week it has been! So much has happened. We had ZTM and felt the
spirit then got all our Christmas packages! It was great to read all of
the testimonies and letters I received thank you! thank you! We had a
secret Santa in the zone, I got a box 7 "Fairytale Princess" Barbie
dolls. I was the laugh of the whole zone. It was pretty funny! One of
the Elders In my district had me.. so he HAD to do something funny. ha.
Christmas was good. I enjoyed talking with all those who I got the
chance to! boxing day.. nothing really to exciting..ha. I have had a
couple of visitors this week! There is a big YSA convention Sydney right
now. It is basically like EFY/FSY for YSA. Anyway, we were assigned by
the assistants to usher for an activity they had. And guess what... Who
else shows up but on old Returned Missionary Friend! Elder.. or Brother
Leneham! My first zone leader in this mission. It was fun to catch up
and get a bite to eat! We miss his presence in the mission. Later that
day, the Thompsons from Tuggerah came to give me and Elder Nathan a
CHRISTmas gift! SO nice of them! You truly make some good friends that
are more like family when you serve. It was good to see "family" again. I
am e-mailing late because we had our "Temple P-day" today. Meaning that
instead of studying we get to go to the temple as a zone for "P-day."
Pretty fun! I included a picture for you.. Ithink it is sideways
though... sorry for making you all turn your head! ha.
My
core experience with God this week was great. The last little bit we had
found ourselves in a bit of a sad cycle. We lost a bit of a sense of
purpose, so we would get a little discouraged, so we would work a little
less, which led to losing a bit of purpose and getting a little more
discouraged, then doing a little less and so on. We noticed it and
couldn't figure out what was happening. When we finally put it all
together we saw this little cycle. We have been fighting for several
days now, and both seem to be receiving some fantastic revelation. I
have finished the Book of Mormon and am now reading and studying Preach
My Gospel for studies. Chapter 1: My Purpose. After doing the 1st study
idea and reading some of the 1st chapter I had felt revived and reminded
of what spiritual power we have and have been given. We talked as a
companionship and have targeted ways to improve and have started doing
so. I am very excited. We see lots of things happening right now in
Normanhurst. Thankful for the time of year and the spirit it brings to
the world! We were talking with a recently returned missionary earlier
this week. He said he went to a missionary meeting and felt so powerless
and stripped of so much because he was not a missionary any more. This
Brother had been a great leader in his mission and was looked up to by
many missionaries. When he told us of this spiritual power it had
reminded us of our studies. I have now "risen to a new sense of
commitment!" We are looking foreword with faith and excitement for what
God can bring. We desire to change the world around us and there by...
change the world itself!
Teaching as Jesus taught. I am striving to be more like my savior by having more trust. He knew who, when, and how to trust others. I have moved from trying to show the way and lead out all the time when teaching. Lately however, I have tried to be a bit more reserved and let my companion teach rather than smother and dominate the lesson with what I think needs to be said. I need to let others grow! I am striving to be more like my savior and Teach as he taught by Trusting others, especially my companion.
Goals for 2014. Do all I can to ensure the Salvation of my fellow men. Not a very specific goal, if you want something in numbers... I spoke recently about a vision I had obtained for being involved in 20 Baptisms. I would 11 in about 6 months. I have faith. I will do all I can for that vision to come to fruition. Also, to fulfill that which I have been called to do. Gather Israel and Strengthen Zion. Work with those who have not yet received ordinances or who have set aside their covenants. I hope to become converted and to help others receive the blessing of the Atonement, especially those who may not understand them or who may
Teaching as Jesus taught. I am striving to be more like my savior by having more trust. He knew who, when, and how to trust others. I have moved from trying to show the way and lead out all the time when teaching. Lately however, I have tried to be a bit more reserved and let my companion teach rather than smother and dominate the lesson with what I think needs to be said. I need to let others grow! I am striving to be more like my savior and Teach as he taught by Trusting others, especially my companion.
Goals for 2014. Do all I can to ensure the Salvation of my fellow men. Not a very specific goal, if you want something in numbers... I spoke recently about a vision I had obtained for being involved in 20 Baptisms. I would 11 in about 6 months. I have faith. I will do all I can for that vision to come to fruition. Also, to fulfill that which I have been called to do. Gather Israel and Strengthen Zion. Work with those who have not yet received ordinances or who have set aside their covenants. I hope to become converted and to help others receive the blessing of the Atonement, especially those who may not understand them or who may
I love you all SO much and dearly! You are fantastic! happy New Year!
Love,
Elder Ford
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