October 26, 2015

Hey guys,

This week was pretty good as usual. We had a wide variety of things to do this week so that was nice!

Tuesday, we went up to Hamlin to the town hall to help them set up a community haunted house, maze, festival thing... So that was kinda fun, they just put us in the warehouse there and said you can use anything in here to make a maze, and we put up a bunch of signs and decorations and what not. It was good to get in that part of the community since we don't get there to often and now the people up there know a little bit more about those Mormon missionaries.

I was on exchanges that day with Elder Detlor also that day and that was a little different because he has a broken foot so he has crutches and can't do much with them so... I had to try and plan things we could do with one foot, and he just did the supervising for the Halloween stuff.

We visited a bunch of less actives and had the opportunity to go and gives some blessing this week and the best part is some of them came to church this week! No investigators at church but we did get less actives. We had dinner with the Wests who are super nice and feed us once a week when we are in Albion. Oh yeah and the hardest thing of the week was an older couple in the ward was cleaning out their fathers old house and there is a huge fireproof safe that weighs easily 350 lbs and they called us to move it onto their trailer and over to their house. It was sooo heavy and awkward to move! I had to do some convincing that there was NOO way that we were going to move it up into their attic where they wanted it! Haha sometimes I wonder if people think we can just do anything? So that's the miracle of the week, we move a freaking heavy fireproof safe and didn't die.

On Saturday I did a district meeting and then that afternoon the ward had a Halloween party and we dressed up as NBA players and wore jerseys. As you can tell from the pictures, I'm by far the tallest one in the district ;) haha jk! Winkler is 6', Miller is 6'3" and Bennitt is 6'8" so....

Then on Sunday we had a missionary farewell kinda... There were just a bunch of speakers who talked about how he has grown, etc... And wished him good luck. He's going to Las Vegas so it will be his first experience going to a place with a lot of members there.

That's my week! Have a fantastic week!

Love you!

Oct. 20, 2015

Hey guys, this week was pretty good. We had quite a few lessons with investigators and less-actives this week. We were suppose to have a lot of both of them at sacrament meeting this week but only two less actives showed up but that is good regardless.

We have been watching the conference talks on our iPads win a lot of the less actives since they haven't seen them yet so we usually go watch a talk or two then talk with them about how it applies to them and there was a lot of good ones from this last conference.

We did the usual, senior center and food pantry service. We had zone meeting on Thursday in Batavia and that was pretty good. We had some training and it was great to be around the other elders and then we had minute to win it competitions.

It has been really pretty here with the leaves lately and it was just

a little cooler but then Saturday night on the way home it started to

snow! So winter is almost here I guess already which I am not looking

forward to! Only one more winter though so hopefully it's not too bad. I have been hearing people say that it's supposed to be more mild than last year and worse than last year so pretty much what they are saying is they don't know crap about the weather they just know it's going to be cold.

We are having some ward Halloween activities coming up soon so hopefully we can get some people to those. The sister missionary who is sick is still staying across the street with the Workman’s, so we visited her a couple of times, took the sacrament to her yesterday, etc... She's getting better though. Anyways that’s pretty much it!

Have a good week!

Love you!

October 13th, 2015

Hey guys this week was pretty good in some areas.

We did a lot of service moving some less active members stuff from a storage unit into her apartment. Then we helped some other old members move a bunch of stuff out of there before they put the house up for auction.

Then on Saturday we had an Elders Quorum wood splitting activity for the bishops woodpile. We go cut down trees, then split and stack it all and then anyone in the ward can use it if they need it during the winter, so that's pretty cool thing they do here to help the ward. We did that for, pretty much the whole day Saturday.

Friday was rough, every single person we tried the whole day wasn't home, except for one, and they left and they said they would be back in five minutes and they never came back so......

Then on Sunday was stake conference and they are redoing the presidency so two members of the seventy were there. One cool thing about it was they were telling us how it was done and they chose the president and they told him to pray about who his counselors should be and the seventy already had a person in mind. He came back and they all had the same name and the guy was on vacation in Arizona for the weekend, and he was going to miss the stake conference but they all got the answer that he was the one. So that was a testimony builder that God chooses his servants, not people choosing.

Then Sunday night it was Elder Workman’s birthday party and we gave him a temple made out of Mountain Dew cans because he loves Mountain Dew. And his son works for Red Bull so he likes Red Bull too and he likes the yellow one the best so we used it as an Angel Moroni.

It's pretty cool. Have a good week!

Love you!

Letter to Bonka Don before his passing

Hey Bonka Don!                                                                                           October 3, 2015

I heard that you aren't doing so well lately, but that’s life. I just want to thank you for all that you have done for me throughout my life! You have been such a great example to me and we have had many great times together. I am privileged to have been able to be one of your grandkids that got to know you more than some of the others. I'm sad that I don't get to be around you at this time, but I'm out serving the Lord and helping the work move forward. You have done so much for me and for the Lord, by serving Him and sharing your testimony with others. You have fulfilled your purpose in this life and have much work to do in the next. The Lord is pleased with all of your efforts and the lives you have affected through you joining the church. You truly are a disciple of Jesus Christ and you will soon be reunited with Him. I know you'll still be around in spirit. I look forward to seeing you!

Thank you for being my grandpa!

I love you!

Elder Daugs

October 5, 2015

Hey guys so this week was full of all sorts of different feelings. First off I lost my voice on Tuesday so this whole week I would open my mouth to talk and nothing would come out so that makes missionary work kinda hard. It's actually really frustrating because I just got done being sick and now this. 

We were trying to get people to come and watch conference throughout this week but we weren't able to get anyone to come. We had district meeting at the workmans this week and the sister who is getting treatment for cancer is staying with them so it was great to have her there. She has an amazing story so it was great to get to know her more. She is from Brazil, the only member in her family, and she has realized that the reason she was sent to this mission is because Rochester has some of the best hospitals around. So it's really cool to see how God works. 

Then conference was great as usual. I love conference sooo much! I really liked elder hales talk. He had some really great quotes in there like " none of us marry perfection, we marry potential" ... What a quote haha. Also I liked the one in conference session where they talked about the family that died while the boy was on his mission and how he knew he was in the rift place, it was very fitting for the time. I got the email about grandpa right before that talk. It is sad news hearing about grandpa and I wish I could've been there to talk to him but I'm glad he got the opportunity to hear my letter be read to him before he went. He truly is in a better place now, along with the apostles who were missing from conference. I sure its been tough for you guys back home but that's life. 

Oh yeah also transfers were today, I'm staying again with Elder Miller! I'll be in Brockport for 9 months! Have a good week!

Love you guys!

Ps here's my conference notes

GENERAL CONFERENCE 

SATURDAY MORNING

Dieter F Uchtdorf 

• we need to appreciate the great value of truth
• Don't pursue after matters that have little value
• Search for truth
• Aline our daily efforts with the plan of salvation 
• Are we making our discipleship too complicated?
• We need to make an effort to devote our time to things that matter
• Living the gospel is strait forward and simple
• Start where you are 
• Exaltation is our goal, discipleship is our journey 

M Russell Ballard

• be perfectly dedicated to moving the work of the lord forward 
• Look at more than the human nature in others
• What will we become through the atonement of Christ?
• Hold onto the gospel truths with both hands
• We should cling to commandments and covenants
• Christ is always there when we are willing to repent and come unto him
• We cannot reach exaltation by our efforts alone

Richard J Maynes

• centering our lives on Christ will bring stability 
• Our lives need to be centered like clay on a potters wheel
• If we are centered he can mold us into what we need to be
• Joy comes from finding and accepting he gospel of Jesus Christ 
• The gospel brings purpose and direction
• We can find peace, happiness, and joy from living Christ centered lives

Neill F Marriott

• how do we make the lords ways our ways?
• Seek to do his will
• It will all work out 
• If you do your best it will all work out
• Have hope in the eternal outcome
• A meek heart accepts the trial
• Don't do things to diminish your progress
• We must allow our hearts to break before the lord
• God takes us as we are and makes us more than we ever imagined 

Larry R Lawrence 

• be ye therefore perfect 
• What do I need to change? What weakness needs strengthening?
• The story of the rich young man
• We must be willing to act when we receive an answer
• What lack I yet?
• Ask and he shall receive, then act
• The Holy Ghost gives customized council 
• The holy ghost works with us at our own speed
• When we take the sacrament examine ourselves 
• Ask the lord what is keeping me from progressing
• Allow the Holy Ghost to lead us home

Francisco J Viñas

• after much tribulation comes the blessings
• Suffering comes from  unrepentant lives
• Do not excuse or selves, or try to hide sin 
• The atonement takes effect if we exercise faith
• It requires consistency in repentance 
• Sincerely repent and humble ourselves 
• Prepare to take of the sacrament 
• Keep the sabbath day holy
• Do gods will on the sabbath, and other days but especially the sabbath 
• The will of the flesh is the will of the devil
• Strive to live in righteousness 

Quinton L Cook

• if there be no righteousness there be no happiness 
• Shipshape is temple worthy in good times and bad
• Be determined to be temple worthy no matter what
• The lord condemned procrastination 
• Sometimes it can feel far away or beyond our reach
• The reward of righteousness is attainable now 
• Righteous self control is like a muscle
• It needs to be continually exercised
• Honoring the sabbath is a form of righteousness
• Live worthy of the gift of the Holy Ghost 
• Follow the impressions of the spirit
• We may hit the bottom or get tipped over but if we live temple worthy it will hold together all that matters

SATURDAY AFTERNOON 

 Robert D Hales

• tighten our grip on the rod
• Your decisions now will shape your eternal destiny 
• Avoid evil
• Never fly into a thunderstorm 
• Will we let ourselves be led?
• Pay tithing and save
• Education will prepare us
• None of us marry perfection, we marry potential 
• Be worthy of the person you want to marry
• If you want council, be prepared to take it
• Reach up, not across
• Go forward, not backward

Jeffery R Holland

• Christ love is likened to our mothers love
• Maternal love has to be divine
• Motherhood is Christ's work
• Mothers help carry their children's burdens 
• Thank you to mothers
• Mothers demonstrate the pure love of Christ

Bradley D Foster

• we are in a battle with the world 
• What should we do to bring about our children's lasting conversion?
• There is a difference between hearing and understanding
• Teach line upon line and to their understanding 
• It's never too early or too late to teach our children because families are forever 

Hugo Montoya

• we have the responsibility to help each other 
• Find, take, and teach
• Go the extra mile
• Smile
• Someone is watching you so set good example
• Smiling lightens burdens
• Show compassion
• Invite others to come to church

Vern P Stanfill

• we may feel confident but realize our preparations aren't adequate 
• No matter how intense the darkness, we choose how long to allow it
• Lord save me
• There is nothing wrong with relying temporarily on those around us
• We must act, and draw near to him
• Satan brings feelings of doubt

Jame B Martino 

• God answers when we have real intent, not just to amuse us
• Seek answers 
• Answers to questions lead to increased faith
• Don't let in answered questions deter you
• Turn to him and your prayers will be answered

Dallin H Oaks

• The savior suffered everything so he could succor to us
• Jesus is with us at all times to help us
• Mortality is full of frequent hardships 
• We all experience failure
• All things can be overcome, no matter how far gone we feel
• We draw ourselves apart from him
• God is mindful of every people, but only those who seek for help
• We qualify for blessings when we believe, and pray for help

PRIESTHOOD SESSION

Neil L Anderson 

• How does the savior see my faith?
• Faith is a gift from heaven 
• Faith doesn't come by chance but by choice
• Reading that Book of Mormon will increase our faith
• Your future is a s bright as your faith
• Your faith will one day allow you to stand in the presence of God.

Randall K Bennitt

• become like a child, humble, focused, taking steps forward 
• Take faith filled steps
• He lord matches our willingness to take a step
• Counter the tendency to procrastinate, or give up
• If we are willing to act we will be given strength to repent and change
• We only fail if we don't act
• God is inviting us to take our next step

Dieter F Uchtdorf 

• Do we practice what we preach
• Are we Christian soldiers or weekend warriors?
• Live as believers in a world of disbelief 
• Stay calm under pier pressure 
• We need to overcome our own laziness
• Daniel passed his test, ours still continues 
• Wanting to believe is a necessary first step
• Skepticism is easy, anyone can do it, faith takes effort
• The world rejects that which it doesn't understand
• When we choose to believe and exercise faith it opens our eyes to splendors more than we can imagine.

Henry B Eyring

• when we do our part, the lord adds his power to our efforts
• Magnify our efforts, and the lord will magnify us
• We do our small part and the lord does the rest
• God has called us through authorized servants
• Pray to know Heavenly Fathers will

Thomas S Monson

• He who created is knows just what we need
• Commandments are showing his love for us 
• Our decisions determine our destiny 
• Be relentless in our determination to achieve our righteous goals
• Don't lower your standards 
• There are so many voices in the world, loud voices
• Avoid anything that will deprive us of our happiness in the life to come
• The adversary knows us 
• We must take great courage and stay true and faithful 
• We cannot change the commandments 
• Greatest happiness comes from obedience to the commandments
• Take the steps necessary to fully repent
• Joy comes only through repentance 
• The path is difficult but the promise is real

SUNDAY MORNING

Thomas S Monson

• let our light shine for others to see
• Seek to lift and inspire in all our words
• Have the pure love of Christ 
• Seek to emulate Christ's example
• Trust in the lord and his word
• Faith and doubt cannot exist at the same time
• Purity will bring peace of mind
• Take advantage of opportunities to shine and be a light in the lives of others 

Ronald A Rasband

• love one another
• God loves each one of us

Gary E Stevenson

• The lord will qualify those whom he calls
• Focus on what you can do not what you can't do

Dale G Renlund

• it will only work if you do it the lords way

Russell M Nelson

• The woman of the church play a great role
• The woman of the church will be a light to the woman around them
• The church needs woman who are righteous and can lead
• Sisters have a huge influence on the men in their lives 
• We need your insights, impressions, and council 
• Step forward 

Gregory A Schwitzer

• The world needs disciples to share the gospel
• Remember to love God and fellow man
• One man can make a difference in the world
• True disciples aren't looking to make excuses 
• It's often not convenient or comfortable to stand up
• Have courage to speak boldly to speak against criticism 
• The plan of happiness is through the basic family unit 
• It is time for us to stand up and testify

Claudio R M Costa

• teach about Christ and sabbath day observance to your family
• Have a desire to be a better person
• Meditate about what Christ has done for us often
• The sacrament is a time for Christ to teach us
• Love the sabbath and the sacrament 

Henry B Eyring

• partake of the sacrament in faith
• The spirit strengthens us against evil
• It also helps us discern falsehood 
• The Holy Ghost confirms truth to us
• Seek to have the constant companionship of he Holy Ghost
• Act on impressions
• Choose to obey with confidence 
• Listen to what the spirit is testifying 
• Discover the truths that matter most to you
• Pray in faith

SUNDAY AFTERNOON 

D Todd Christofferson

• The church's purpose is to bring people to Christ
• Gods ultimate purpose is our progress
• We learn doctrine and experience its application 
• We are all called to serve the church
• The church is the family
• The church is in place to teach people the way of salvation 
• The savior needs a church to make all covenants available to gods children 
• The church is not created by man but set up by God 

Devin G Durrant

• save money each week
• Ponderize 1 verse of scripture each week
• Ponderize is an add onto regular scripture study 
• Exercise faith, discipline yourself, and do it

Von G Keetch

• don't be too critical of the barrier
• Follow the course that he has laid out for us 
• It easy to follow a course inside the barrier when we see the purpose
• As we trust in the lord we become the person the lord wants us to become
• God wants us to have joy, and be safe

Carole M Stephens

• seek for greater understanding in obey the commandments 
• Trust God
• Trust Jesus 
• Trust the whisperings of the spirit 
• Trust the council of living prophets 
• Obedience is an expression of love for God 

Allen D Haynie

• don't deceive ourselves 
• No unclean thing can enter into the kingdom of heaven 
• Repentance isn't easy but he result is worth it
• The atonement leaves no trail
• Remember who stands between us and justice 

Kim B Clark

• In these times me are called to rescue the poor in spirit 
• We need greater spiritual light and power
• Open our hearts and receive 
• Simple obedience brings the spirit into our hearts
• Have eyes to see and ears to hear 
• Gods knows us

Koichi Aoyagi

• bad things happen but things will work out
• Trials are put in place to see how we handle them
• We pass the test by showing that we remember him and keep the commandments 

David A Bednar

• when you cannot do what you've always done, you do what matters most
• The lords servants aren't spared from affliction
• Willing to cast out negative 
• Forgive all men
• The work in which we are engaged is the most important work on the earth
• Come what may and love it
• Handle adversity with faith and confidence 
• Family is the center of life
• See that we are happy and sealed together for time and all eternity 
• The atonement makes it possible to endure all challenges
• Powerful lessons of a lifetime