Hello everyone!
This week has been incredible as always. We have been out and about knocking, calling, and talking to everyone who is open. We were able to do some service like helping people move and giving a blessing.
We got to do a FHE at a retirement center and it's incredible to hear how even with their disabilities and age they still work to support each other. They do it in small and simple ways, but they are incredibly loving and genuine. Everything from cards, piano, to helping put on socks, to wheeling their neighbors. They truly are an example of Christlike service. They are like the widow giving her mite in that they give all they have, and they appreciate all they have been given.
We were also able to speak at a youth conference to talk about preparing for a mission and what mission life is like. Some of the things I felt like were important to remember are this. First, it doesn't matter where you are assigned, what matters is you have been called, by the Lord, no less. Second, if you want to enjoy your mission and have success, prepare to work. The harder you work, and the more you set up can be directly correlated to how you feel. There is never a better night than one when you have put forth your all. And last of all, prepare to change how you see people! If you can - start this today.
Something I have been pondering is: Our mindset should reflect the eternal truths we know. We know the people around us are our siblings, but do we see them that way? We know of the plan of salvation, are we living our life to prepare ourselves for heavenly life? We know about the incredible, infinite power of the atonement. Are we allowing ourselves to fully exercise it, and are we allowing others to fully exercise it? When someone has fully repented of a sin, and has moved past it, are we still holding them to it, judging them by it, or are we like God who has declared "I will remember your sins no more"? Once something is done and over with, it should remain that way. We must be careful because the atonement always looks forward. Past mistakes can be remembered in the sense that we know not to do them again but should not be a weight to hold us, or the people around us, back.
There is an interesting effect when crabs are put into a bucket together. They will attempt to get out but will never succeed, due to the fact they will pull each other back down. A crab will almost get out before getting sucked back in. We should be careful that One: we are not like the other crabs, preventing others from reaching their divine potential, and Two: We are not putting ourselves around others that tear us down. We are all sons and daughters of God and that is probably the greatest truth I know next to the atonement.
We were able to give out some Books of Mormon, which is always cool. We have a challenge for our members in our area to pray to be in the right place at the right time and it's incredible to hear their experiences. I shared a couple examples last week, but they just keep going. Those that truly have taken up this challenge have found opportunities to help reactivate family members, share their testimony, and help people just feel loved. Members have been able to get to know, (or even just meet) neighbors they have lived by for years but have never met.
During my studies, I have been blessed to have greater insight into the Pearl of Great Price. I have come to the conclusion that even if Joseph Smith had just translated the Book of Moses, he would be one the greatest prophets! Of course, we know he has done so much more than that. I would also encourage anyone reading this to do an in-depth study of D&C 4, and 2 Peter 1. Both of these chapters could be the study of a lifetime.
I feel so blessed to be here! There is so much work to be done, so many people to help and I feel like I'm just starting out.
Elder Cluff
PS. Note from Mom:
I asked Jacob about speaking in 3 wards last week. He said, “We were asked to give talks in 3 wards last week. One on the Book of Mormon, one on increasing spirituality, and one on keeping commitments/covenants. It was a little scary, as I don't like public speaking that much, but it turned out well.”
I asked Jacob about the baptism last week. He said, “The boy’s name is Logan. He is a great kid and it was fun to teach him. He decided to get baptized out in Maryland, where he spends the summers and where most of his family lives (all of whom are nonmembers).”
I got a phone call this morning from his Aunt Jenn and cousin, Makena, who had just ran into him at the Deseret Book Store. So fun!! They sent the picture with him.
