April 21, 2014

HEY HEYYY

HAPPY EASTERRRSSS<3

Hope yall had a great Sunday with the ones you love, and a great Easter dinner cuz I did! (not a good thing... packin some extra poundage lately...)

This week has been soooo good. I feel as if there is a weight lifted from my shoulders. There is a great desire that has crept its way into my heart to go forward with my whole soul to serve the Lord and show my love for him.

There has been so many tender moments this week, which have opened my heart, and have reminded me of my true self.

I had a wonderful experience interviewing a 9 year old girl for her baptism this past Saturday. She was nervous but as I joked around with her and made some weird faces she opened up and was comfortable so we began. She answered the interview questions flawlessly and I could tell she was speaking from her heart. At the conclusion of the interview she said a closing prayer. It was one of the most humbling experiences I have ever witnessed. She prayed for the missionaries, she prayed for the homeless, the poor, family, friends, and "for a good baptism". She prayed for everyone but her self. There was so much power in the sweet words in which she spoke. Not because of the words that were said but the meaning behind them, for the Charity she expressed for these people who had less than her. The song "a child's prayer" started to come to my mind. I was filled with light as she expressed the final desires of her heart. As I sat back in my chair I was overwhelmed with this young girls prayer. I thanked her and reunited her with her Mom in the foyer.

Often times we mistake children for being incapable of possessing certain attributes because of their inexperience. But we have a great lesson to learn from them. They have more knowledge than they are conscious of, and more than we are aware of. There is so much that we dont understand about "these little ones" as Christ taught the multitude, "Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven." -(Mathew 18:10) I understand why Christ blessed the children, I understand why children shall inherit the Kingdom of Heaven for they truly do behold the face of the Father. They are examples of our Christ.  Mosiah 3:19 expresses the thoughts and observations I have of these childlike tendencies. "becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father." I know that as we learn from the children we our selves will start to be more obedient, patient, loving and giving, to our fellow brothers and sisters. Through them we will be able to learn how to become Christ like.

Saturday was one of the most beautiful and the most peaceful days in Idaho. The morning air felt different the sky was a little more blue. And there was a familiar breeze that reminded me of home. This was the peace I felt, this is when I felt the weight leave my shoulders. As we drove to prepare for Anthony's baptism. The process of guiding Anthony to this point has been one of the most stressful things I've had on my mission so far. Just because of all the outside sources that tried to stop this from happening. But it was one of the most rewarding learning experiences as well. He has completely changed his life from being incarcerated to be a disciple of the Savior.

The baptism was small, short and powerful. He was so excited to know that everything he once was will be forgotten. That everything from this point on will be so good. It won't be easy but it will be so good. I had the privilege to preform the baptism, and as we changed into dry clothes he expressed how he felt, a common response but a truth of this ordinance "I feel clean" he said. No other words could describe this sacred feeling. True cleanliness.

 The Sunday after he was confirmed a member of the church and received the gift of the holy ghost. He left right after for an Easter family function, but later that night texted us words which made my day 100x better "thanks guys, I am happy". Simple but powerful.

I love my mission especially after the trials are over haha I think we all are. But like Anthony our trials dont stop at Baptism or Temple. It only gets harder, but we know that we have the capabilities to overcome these things because of HIM. The enabling power of the Atonement is the greatest force we have in this life. we receive strength not in our selves but in Him.

I love my Savior and I am so very thankful for His selfless sacrifice he preformed so that we may LIVE.

I love my family and all who support me in this experience I feel as if I do not deserve.

What a joy it is to know that we can live again because of Him.

I been day dreaming about surfing a lot lately, you can ask my companion I always walk on the bottom of the hill and act like im hacking hue tail whips on the grass hahha and making weird noises to emphasize the buckets Im throwin hahaha

Miss ya Love ya

Elder Soren

Anthony's Baptism

found some LARPers hhahhahaha I thought this was only in movies

nutella on erreh thang

April 14 2014

HEY HEY HEY

          I am grateful that there's finally consistent weather here in Poky, I can finally wear short sleeves everyday. Hopefully get some of my tan back... hahah farmers tan that is. It defiantly has been a very busy, but fruitful week.

           We have a baptism coming up this Saturday for Anthony Norman. He's 30 years old and is ready to forget his past and move forward as a disciple of Christ. This baptism is the first in 5 months in this area. So we're very excited.

          Anthony has had a very rough past. He just recently got out of prison and has been reading the Book Of Mormon for years while he served his time. He is definitely doing all he can to be a faithful member. His motivation and diligence is humbling to me. He reads everything we invite him to read, He is at Church every Sunday without fail. His life has been turned upside down as he has been taking the lessons but he never failed to miss one. It's so amazing to see someone completely do a 180 in life and we are here to help him do so. This is one of the reasons why I love my mission. We have the opportunity to help people change their lives and have a happiness one could never find anywhere else. A life in Christ.

          This will be a quick email. But before I leave the first presidency of the Church has asked all of us as members and non members to view this Easter video and share it on all social media.

https://www.lds.org/youth/video/because-of-him?lang=eng

or youtube: "Because of Him"

It's an amazing video, the video clips and typography is very inspiring and uplifting. Please share this with as many friends and family members as you can. Share this video that shows what's most important in this world... a Life of peace, happiness and change.

I miss you all and hope you have a great week

Love

 Captain Jack

April 7. 2014

Alohaaaaaaaaa

       Idaho is almost just as bipolar as Hawaii. Sun. Rain. Snow. Hail. Rain. Sun. all in the same day. But I love it. Makes it an adventure everyday. We're so spoiled here in the States, Elder Edwards and I guess what were having for dinner, and make bets whether were having pizza, potatoes or Mexican food (not authentic)... I feel bad when I read my Foreign brothers emails and they are in the real struggle. Humbles me. but i'm still over pizza and tortillas...

       Things have been great I have such a testimony about the power of the atonement. One of my new "heroes" since he came here is, Elder Bednar. I feel like for some reason we have a connection... haha probably just stoked I shook his hand, and the fact he was the president for BYU-I. But as I read and listened to his talks and studied his teachings I came to realize I love looking for patterns and reoccurring inspirations that point out different gospel principals in everyday life. His talk in conference yesterday confirmed one of my recent reoccurring personal revelations about the power of the Atonement. That it's not only a power to forgive and redeem, but its the power to do, the power to act. I've witnessed this power as we proselyted this week. We put one foot in front of the other walking into darkness, applying all the principals we've been taught.

Nothing but miracles have been happening everyday. The Lord has literally moved people into our area who are ready to be baptized. 

        I feel as if it's the Faith in Christ to Act, it is the Striving, and Doing part that brings miracles. It's not how well we succeed at memorized scriptures or how successful we are at executing the principals we are taught, or how many people we baptize each month. It's the act of doing. If we DO our best to fulfill our Fathers will, he will see our efforts and the righteous desires of our hearts and bless us with his grace and tender mercies.

        Elder Bednar's council that he shared with us about 2 months ago was again reemphasized in his talk. "these people were empower by the Atonement to Act as Agents and IMPACT their circumstances". He taught us this principal which changed the whole vision of our mission. I have used this principal to act, even though I don't always know what's coming or even how to exactly preform certain principals but as I did I was empowered by the Lord. Words came and the spirit spoke. Prepared sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father were Found. And miracles have brought heavenly happiness into my life.

     I know that the Atonement of our Savior will give us the strength to fulfill our Heavenly Father's will. It will help us "bare up our burdens with ease" -Bedanr. It will help us to BECOME who our Heavenly Father knows we can become. It will help us reach our devine potential that he knows we can reach. By striving and doing all we can to serve our brothers and sisters He will work miracles into our lives. Even if we don't succeed at first keep DOING because every righteous act is success in the eyes of our Eternal Father, especially when we turn outwards and serve. I have come to know the truth of these principals because I have done my best to apply them and ACT. I know it works and I know its because of my Savior and His sacrifice.

I love my mission and everything I am learning. But what good is learning if we don't apply what we learn. That's why missions are so special, it gives us the opportunity to act and apply the truths of the gospel so that we may gain a testimony of them.

I wanted to talk more about what I loved at general conference but I forgot my notes at home. But this is one of the things i've learned that really impacted my life. I hope your prayers were answered and your heart was full with the joy of his spirit.

I love you all and hope that you will ACT and apply what you have learned in conference.

I promise you will receive happiness in many different ways, as you act on the council from our beloved Prophet and his apostles.

I know these things are so true.

I miss you all and love you all

hope its warm where you are. cuz im cold.

Elder Soren :)

My trainer Elder Duano and Me

Conference lunch

short tie

Elders…

6 months already!

HEY HEY HEY

I am so stoked to be here. My mission has preformed wonders in my life and i've seen it preform miracles in others. I am almost sad that im a quarter way done (which isn't long at all) but it reminds me that this Joy doesn't last forever. That i'm getting closer to the ender each time a number on the calendar shows up. There is so much more I need to learn and experience. I know I have a lot more ahead of me but I don't want it to end. I've become addicted to the principal and cycle of progression, in my self and seeing it in others. I love seeing my fellow brothers and sisters grow as they exercise faith in Jesus Christ.  As they progress to the waters of baptism in which is the gate to Eternal Happiness.   

I know my Heavenly Father watches over all of us as we strive to follow his will. He provides the blessings OTHER people need through us, as we serve and care for our fellow brothers and sisters. And through this service our needs are taken care of as well.

It's wonderful to see how the Lord works with us, to help us receive our answers through loving others. When we all work together towards one goal. "To Bring to pass the eternal life of man".  He blesses us with everything we could possibly need in this life.

I've been learning all I can about Jesus Christ, and his purpose here on earth.  As I have, I've noticed and was reminded, of a pattern in everything our savior has done for us. It's Love. He did everything in his life because he Loves us. Because He loves our Heavenly Father. He never thought about himself, ever. After fasting for 40 days and 40 nights he was tempted by Satan. But immediately after he healed the sick and fed the 5000. Did he ever think to rest?  No, he continued serving his Father's children. Because he loves us.

There have been times in the mission when I just did not want to go out. But as I learn more about Him and his strength, I was strengthened. I was lifted and I was able. I learned to rely on my Savior and keep putting one foot in front of the other. Knowing that I was doing all I could and having faith that he was there beside me.

I've seen how having Faith has brought true miracles in my life and the lives of others. Faith in the Savior, the first principal of the gospel is one of the most powerful gifts we have been given.

My testimony has grown as I have been experiencing and applying the principals I learn each day. Faith in the principal and in the Savior, applying or acting, brings miracles, which strengthen our testimony.

I have a sure testimony that my Savior Loves me and through him I can do all things.

I am so thankful for this gospel

I love my mission

I am thankful for my Parents who have built me on a strong Foundation

I love you all

Elder Soren

Mountain Biking

3.17.14

HOLLLLAAA

       This week has been pretty tough, the whole district is in the middle of a trial of our faith. But that's okay because we know what we gotta do and how we can accomplish our goals.

       I don't have much time to write today but things have been good.  I'm learning a lot about the different leadership responsibilities and i've been realizing how this will benefit me in the future.

       One of these things is the "paper work" and keeping track of numbers and the missionaries investigators. But! its good practice for when I run my SRHI stores ;) managing everything haha its tedious but its good. I'm glad im learning these skills now so that when I get home things will be moving at such an accelerated pace because of the experiences here on the mission.

        The sun has been coming out more and I am able to wear short sleeves!  I forgot what the sun feels like on my skin!  I'm already starting to have a farmers tan! haha so bad. oh wells i'll get home and be just as dark as I was within 2 days of getting sunburnt lol. 

        This morning we went mountain biking/hiking it was crazy fun. I was strugggglling to get up to the top. but the way down was so awesome flying down the trail hitting branches and crashing.  It was a lot of fun, reminds me of all the crazy stuff we would do back home.  

         I'm so glad that I'm close to the mountains and the outdoors everything's beautiful up here.  It's always good to get out and explore and adventure, I need it to keep me sane. I feel like i'm indoors waaayyyy too much.

         The work has been great though, we have been finding a bunch of potential investigators and we're excited to see things start picking up. We have a goal for the whole district to baptize in April and we have faith that we can! but we need to work hard to!  Faith +  Works = Blessings, blessings, blessings. 

sorry I gotta peace out but I hope YALL are having a great week, been missing my aina!

Love 

Elder Soren  

Our District

Me & Elder Edwards

3.10.14

HOWZIT!

     This week has been pretty awesome! I have had a lot of cool personal experiences with studies and the Spirit.

     Things have been awesome. Elder Edwards and I have been working hard and trying to work with the members to find new investigators to teach. And we have!  It's been so amazing to witness this monumental event in history. "Hastening The Work Of Salvation". It's now. And we are all apart of it. What a blessing it is to be here on earth at this time. The Lord has definitely prepared us all before we were born to receive these responsibilities in this life time, to "take the Gospel to all the world".

     District Leadership has been a lot less stressful now that I got the hang of things. I found the key to being a good leader is to LOVE the ones you SERVE. Once I figured it out things started flowing. I have a lot of fun talking to the companionships and helping them with their areas and things they want to work on. They also help me and my companion with different ideas and ways that they have had success in their area. Its so awesome to work together to serve the Lord more effectively.

    Yesterday I had to give a talk in one of our wards. It was on Faith, what a basic and plain topic right?  Faith being as we read in Alma. "And now as I said concerning faith—Faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true" but there is a lot more to faith than just believing.  It's working towards a worthy goal, with the reassurance that out Heavenly Father will support us.  Just merely believing that something will happen without putting forth the effort is only a fourth of faith.  After we Believe that anything is possible through the Lord we must Plan.  Plan on what I can DO in order to achieve this worthy goal. Then DO. After you have DONE all you can the Lord steps in and blessings come from the Heavens. For we all know that "faith without works, is dead."  My understanding of this simple principal of faith has grown so much and I know how it works. 

     

      I feel as if that's the key to gospel principals, once you understand how they work, you then understand the promises that come after you exercise the principal with faith that it will work. And as one uses this "IF" and "THEN" concept with gospel principals you can unlock the powers of Heaven and you receive a personal witness and testimony of that principal. You will know its true.  You will gain a greater understanding of the gospel.  Your testimony will grow.  And we can grow closer to our Heavenly Father.

     One member told me that Missionaries learn more in their 2 years of service, than an active member without serving a mission, could learn in 40 years. I strongly encourage all who are eligible, worthy, and available to take this opportunity our Loving Heavenly Father has given us to serve Him. To show our love for Him.  A good friend told me "that a mission doesn't need you... Heavenly Father dosent need you to serve a mission... you need Him... You need the mission."  It is so true.  Who am I that the Lord needs me, He is all and He is everything. If he wanted to convert everyone He could but he has given us this opportunity to learn and grow, as full time and member missionaries.

     I know that if you take this opportunity to fulfill your calling as a member missionary you will have a happiness in your life that you can't get anywhere else.  Not even a temporal week at Disney Land.  Make your Home, your town, your city, a Disney Land as you share the gospel to all.

Ive been missing the ocean more than ever this week!!!

until we meeeeeet againnnnn

Aloha 'oe

Elder Soren

Zone Leader, Elder Duano & District Leader, Elder Soren

The Single Sisters took us out to eat!

5 months already. Balancing out, Numbers and Love

 ALOOHHAAAA

        This week was pretty out of the norm... things are great though. The weather is very bipolar, yesterday it was sunny then it started raining, then hailing... and storming, thunder and everything... Good thing i brought my umbrella. haha.

       This week we had our zone conference and attended a funeral for a family that passed away in our zone :( so it was a pretty interesting week in Pocatello.

       The Funeral was a pretty sad event for all of Pocatello. A bunch of us missionaries in the area went to sing before the funeral it was a very spiritual event and an honor.  I don't know how far news travels, but 4 members of a family passed away due to carbon monoxide poisoning.  Parents and 2 young sons.  The only surviving family members were their 2 missionaries serving in the states. The missionaries came home to support their family for the funeral and are planning on going back out.  I can't even imagine what i would do if i were in their shoes. The funeral service was huge about 2000 people and broadcast to England where the mom is from. It was one of the most wonderful funeral services i've been to.  I would say it was just as powerful as stake or general conference.  Everything that was said was focused on the plan of salvation and missionary work. The father that passed away was the ward mission leader for 2 of my elders and we had just seen him at the baptism they had the day they passed.  So missionary work was talked about a lot. Even a general authority from the quorum of the 70 was there on behalf of the first presidency. This funeral service reminded me why I am serving a mission and how grateful i am for my family and for this beautiful gospel plan that we have been blessed with. The example of those 2 missionaries humbled every bone in my body. I always think i have it hard but nothing compared to these 2 faithful servants of the Lord. Their example and story will be in my heart through out the rest of my mission and my life.

       One of the things that i have been working on is trying balance loving the people and producing numbers and not loosing myself to the statistics. Having to be an example to the district, I have to be showing that the skills that are taught work through the example of my area. I knew this when i was called, so the first 2 weeks i came in "guns blazin".. lol all stoked and amped to baptize and convert, to put numbers on the board, to get the district to produce numbers also. What i quickly learned was that it wasn't working... once i realized that things need time and love in order to progress I realized that i was caught up in the Mission's Standard of Excellence and not paying attention to the people and their hearts.

       

        As i realized this mentality, i remembered the words from a friend of mine who told me a few months ago..."remember the numbers are only important because they show us our progress... they are not the focus...serve and share with LOVE all who the Lord puts in front of you...trust in God and the work He has set out for you to do. And I promise you that if you do all of this the "numbers" will soar off the charts without you even trying."  The words in this letter kept coming into my head and as I read the letter and pondered it i know that these things were inspired from the Lord for this specific reason. He knew that i would have to be dealing with numbers and He knew that i would have this calling. He had my friend send this inspired letter specifically for me at this time in my life and mission.

    

        I never thought numbers could ever get in the way of loving others but i am glad that i realized this early on in my mission and im so grateful for my friend and her obedience to the spirit. I tried this week to focus less on the numbers and statistics and focus on listening and loving. I have seen some amazing and "magical" things happen in lessons, and as i serve others. It has been so amazing and I know that this lesson that I have learned will bless my mission and those who I meet and love.

        These experiences that have changed my life I will cherish forever. These experiences have taught me wonderful life skills that will continue to bless me and my family for generations. Life lessons that money could never buy. Blessings that gold or silver could never amount to. These are experiences that one could only have by serving our loving Heavenly Father.

Stoked to be a Servant.

Elder Soren
XoxOXoXoX

Our Zone

a picture of a picture but ya that's when Elder Bednar was with us.... i wasn't smiling…The Whole Mission

with Elder Rabe

One of my friends that we're teaching in a recovery home, he's the man!

Pocatello, Idaho

no waves!

One huge dog that was bigger than me!