week 78

So, announcement one:

I'm now serving in Idaho Falls in the Mesa Spanish 2 area :D

Announcement two:

I ate at Tandoori Oven! 

Here in IF there's an extension from the one in Logan Utah ! It's pretty much a big deal. It's still the best thing ever.

So, I have not broken any more pants. that's exciting and fun! 

I'm with Elder Pinkston who's awesome! I've known him for a while now, so it's been cool to be companions.We are doing what's called "White Washing." Which means that two missionaries are put into an area replacing both of those who were here previously. It's a rather stressful but incredibly exciting thing to do. I am SO glad that I already had a GPS to help us find addresses and get around. If we didn't have it, we'd have to ask the very plump Idaho Squirrels and other road kill frequently found in Idaho Falls. Thank you Father for your generous gift.

We've had a fun week getting to know the area and talking to everyone. One guy was awkwardly rude. haha He was working on something under his car when we walked up and offered our assistance. I also asked him how he is. When he saw who we were he said "fine," put his tools in the back seat of the car, and jogged into the house. He jogged. It was awkward because he didn't seem angry or scared (which are the usual emotions we face when this happens) he seemed almost calm as he jogged into the house.

We had a regional Stake conference broadcast and Elder L. Tom Perry presided. It was awesome! I was so inspired by his words and the other words said. 

One theme of the conference was change. I think we all fear change to some degree (the man who jogged to his house for instance), but change is quite necessary for us. We all must continually change until we reach perfection through Jesus Christ. He is the only person who doesn't have to change because he is already perfect. 

It is only through the atonement of Jesus Christ that we can change. we can leave the past behind. We can be new people through Him. Well known examples are: Peter, Paul, Alma the Younger, Zeezrom, and for all of you who know me, me. 

Through Jesus Christ and how I have come to know him through the course of my life I have changed. When I was young I was the kid on the playground who was so focused on where I wanted to go that I pushed over everyone in my path. Now I feel of God's love for everyone and I do my best to make everyone happy. 

I have been a selfish jerk in the past, and though I'm still not perfect, I'm improving. Being with people that you hardly know 24/7 teaches you that quickly.

I know that God lives and that he loves us. This gospel is a gospel that allows us to change and follow Jesus Christ. Then change and chose to follow Him again. The only way to heaven is through change in ourselves to do the will of God.

Matthew 7:21

"21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."

I invite you all to change and to do God's will for you. follow his command and like a soldier with a good commander, he will lead you to safety and victory.

Honoring God

Elder Decker