Are your scriptures a souvenir or a practical tool?

Well... You about summed up how I feel about the Broncos going to the Super Bowl! THE BRONCOS ARE GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL!!!!! i can't witness it :/ BUT THE BRONCOS ARE GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Last night, every door we knocked on we asked how the game was going. ;) Both Elder G and I are Bronco fans. :D

Our Stake Conference was so incredible too! Best part was that I was able to see some folks from Arkadelphia that I haven't seen in almost a year, including an old investigator that is finally preparing to be baptized!!

Tell Sam to start practicing his basketball outside cause in 9.25 months I'm comin for him! :)

The count down has begun :P haha jk  Really though, January has been SOOOO LOOOOONNNNNGGGGGG! I hate that I can see the finish line. I was JUST getting enthralled enough in this work that I forgot about all things at home! haha.

Now for a review of this last week:

This week I had opportunities to learn patience, not with others, but with myself. I had to realize I wasn't perfect and that sometimes things don't always work out the way I want them to-- even if I asked, worked hard, and asked again. My weaknesses were seen clear as day and I wanted so badly for the Lord to take them and make them strengths. I gave them to Him. I gave Him time. I couldn't figure out why He hadn't made me strong in them yet.

I soon realized that the word "time" isn't limited to a day, a week, or a month. For all I know it could mean two years or even a life time. He just wants us to keep trying, be diligent, and continue in patience with an eye on the prize.

I also realized that when you pray for patience, you get the trials (opportunities to grow) that come along with learning it. There is so much potential here. We feel like we have found it but then it falls through our grasp. We have felt knocked down time and time again. We are bruised and bloody but for some reason we have found a way to stand back up.

Ultimately I have found it through Christ and His infinite Atonement. Recently I have found it through the scriptures. We listened to a talk by Hank Smith, that you gave us for Christmas, this last week and in it I learned that just like an investor in the stock market, a diligent student of the scriptures will only profit if a person takes the time and effort to invest: "The more I invest, the more I profit," he said.

He also asked, Are your scriptures a souvenir or a practical tool? How do we individually treat the scriptures in our life? Do we display them and cherish them like a souvenir without actually using them or are the scriptures used often in our lives to inspire us and bless us like a well-worn tool?

As I took these principles into effect this week, I looked back on my scriptures and saw all the markings I made in the last week and what joyed filled my heart as I realized how much more my scriptures actually mean to me now. I love them! I don't want to leave them. I learned to find the hidden message instead of just reading the stories. And that, right there, has opened up so many windows. I found such a joy and love and desire to not just read the scriptures but to search and to find the message within. I figure that if Moroni could only write "an hundreth part," these things have got to be so much deeper than we realize.

Honestly, a month ago, I was concerned for myself when I get home off my mission in regards to reading my scriptures everyday. I know I need to. But let's be realistic... With life in the way, I see myself being so easily distracted. Watching ESPN or sleeping in can and will appear more attractive than reading the scriptures. Quite frankly this disturbed me. I don't want to fall back into the real world.

If it wasn't for hearing that talk... I don't know what would've happened to me upon return to the real world. But, now, I have such a greater understanding of the scriptures and I have truly learned to cherish them. I am excited to see how this will affect not just my life, but the work here too.  I am "holding fast" to the iron rod and I am learning to do hard things.

I will eternally be gratefully for this opportunity to serve and to give full dedication to the work of "the salvation of thousands, the saving of souls, YES!" (Mission song)

-Elder Wheatley

p.s. I LOVE YOU MORE than the Broncos being in the Super Bowl!!!

The Holy Ghost Doesn't Stay Out After Dark Here

Hey Momma!

Just a quick note so that you know how I'm doin. Things are great!

We worked all day deep in Pine Bluff and loved every minute of it. People would've thought we were crazy for going there but I didn't feel the slightest bit scared because I knew that that is where the Lord wanted us to be. We weren't there after dark. That played a factor. Holy Ghost doesn't stay out after dark here. Anyway, so many people were receptive to the gospel and we found some solid folks.

We found a guy from the Marshall Islands earlier this week. Cool thing was-- a week earlier I found a Marshallese Book of Mormon in the other elder's apartment. It was really cool how the Spirit took over in our lesson. At first it was hard to even understand all that he said and us to him. But by the end we mutually understood each other like we both spoke the same language.

He had seen missionaries in the Marshall Islands before but his grandparents told him that we worshiped Joseph Smith. After explaining the apostasy and the restoration you could tell a light turned on in his head. "So Joseph Smith is a prophet. He's a prophet. I know it!" It was awesome!!

He was so thankful that he offered us a cup of coffee before we left.

Next up: Word of Wisdom!

Only problem is that this guy works on Sundays and his schedule is unpredictable the rest of the week.... We'll figure it out.

Basketball with Prez was really fun! I never have seen him in that light before. He just seemed happy. 

All in all: a really great week. A real turning point for me. I was gettin a little trunky and lazy a week or so ago but noticed what I was doing, or wasn't doing, and turned it around.

I Love YOU More!!!!!

-Elder Bubba

"And the next day it's run run run"

Hey there Momma!

I don't really know how to describe this week. If you were in it, you woulda hated it. But now that it's over it was a pretty good week. One day we would have an appointment at every hour or even less and we were just go go go and the Spirit was so strong. The next day: NOTHING. No one out. No one interested. Felt like the Spirit said, "Sorry bros. No one for you today. Check back tomorrow."

But then the next day it's run run run.

Every other day looked gloomy and hopeless. The key word was: Endure.

But the other days made up for it.

This week is gonna be bike week. :/ Usually look forward to it but... Not here. Not now. People think we're crazy for even being outside. Then we say, "We're from Utah." Usually settles it.

(We spend most of our time in Pine Bluff. We have one investigator in White Hall. Our apt is technically in Pine Bluff. We have to walk about a mile to get into White Hall city limits to do any work.)

We have been teaching some amazing people. This area is SO ready for the gospel. I think Pine Bluff could use another set of missionaries. The fruit is so ripe. Just gotta pick it.

We are working with a wonderful gentleman named A in Pine Bluff. It's so different and amazing teaching him because he internalizes every bit. We could teach him a whole lesson on repentance. We actually did. It's cool. He's not jumping into it like how most people would. None of our investigators are. They are all really taking it to thought and praying a lot and studying. Neat.

Well. That's it.  Glad everything is going good back home.

I LOVE YOU MORE!

-Elder Wheatley

Truly a week of miracles!

Hi Momma!

This was truly a week of miracles! The patience and persistence finally paid off.

This week was SO fun! We worked so hard! But, it was worth it. We just went out and worked-- talking to everyone and listening to the spirit.

The highlight of this week was when we taught W the Plan of Salvation. We met her a week or so ago when we were at a grocery store buying cereal to satisfy a craving of mine. When we were checking out she said, "I remember the Elders coming over to meet with my parents when I was 8," over 20 years ago. Interesting. "Would you be interested in meeting with us again?" She readily agreed.

On our second meeting we taught her the Plan of Salvation. She said that she wants her kids to learn this. The kids were eating at the time so when they were finished, she called the older ones in and taught them! It was wonderful.

They all showed up to church and took up a whole row. We also got two other folks out-- one being her father. I think of those missionaries who taught them over 20 years ago. Although they lost contact with them due to an unfortunate turn of events-- a house fire-- and they don't remember anything that was taught, but it opened up the doors for them to accept the gospel at this time. I know now that no effort is wasted and I'm so grateful for those Elders.

The members were great in helping them feel welcomed. That and many more miracles took place this week.

At Zone Meeting President said to, "make this this Christmas one to remember." I put it in my mind that I would and we went out and worked, even if my companion was a little hesitant to knock doors on such a special day. It was something I desperately wanted to do. I screwed up last year and I didn't want to go home and regret not devoting ALL of my time and talents like I am supposed to. In turn, the Lord blessed us because we did. Both new investigators that we met came to church and I'm positive they will be baptized.

Our whole week was like that! After tracting for 6 straight hours one day, on our way back to our car, a lady pulls in front of us and asked if we were missionaries.

"Yes, ma'am," we responded. And she, with tears rolling down her face, humbly asked if we could come and teach her next week. We are going to see her tonight. Another lost investigator, a lost sheep-- Found. Christmas Miracles everywhere. A Christmas I will always remember.

-Elder Wheatley

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Ok. Here is my week:

We met with the bishop this week to get a blessing for this work in this area as I do in every area I land in. In the blessing he strongly mentioned patience as we got this area up and going. That stuck out to me but I didn't understand why until Sunday.

The last two weeks we've had such great, spirit-filled lessons and new investigators who seemed to be so elect! We had baptismal dates and extremely strong commitments to come to church. Felt like we were helping fulfill a quote made by President Petersen, "In Pine Bluff the field is black and ready to harvest." Everything felt great.

Then Sunday came. No one to church. All dates drop. Investigators no longer interested in meeting with us.
Frustrated.

I spent a long time on my knees. I got up and go into the other room-- my companion is on his knees. That was comforting to know that we both are on the same level. We talked about it and what we can do. We spent a long time last night wrestling over what needs to be done. We felt like we were doing all we could... but, still, haven't seen the results.

Today in companion study we read over what it means to be a successful missionary. We learned that, yes, we were doing what we needed to be doing. As always there were places to improve but for the most part we were doing what was right. But the most important thing I learned-- re-learned rather-- was that it's not the number of baptisms or souls to church, but my individual commitment to do the work.

I determined then that I'm still going to set goals. I am still going to be bold but loving with everyone I meet. I am still going to invite everyone I meet to baptism. I am baduber off. But overall, I am going to substitute the word frustrated-- with patient.

-Elder Wheatley

still going to work my

As for skype, if we can find someone, I will get on at 7 your time. 8 my time. hope that works! :)

Yes! I did get the gingersnaps! SO YUMMY! (I almost lied and said no about gettin em. I think you know why)

I Love You More!

-Bubba

Tender mercies...

Hi Momma!

This week has been miraculous! I have seen so many tender mercies from the Lord. We have been bold and loving when teaching and inviting investigators and less actives to do things that will help grow their faith in the Lord and I have already seen major results. We worked with much diligence this week and it was incredible how the Lord then rewards us very openly. It was truly amazing going to church this week. Something was different. The members just seemed to love us and offer to do anything for us in the missionary effort. I know this came because we strived SO hard to be exactly obedient this week.

This area truly is fruitful and I am so grateful to be apart of it. We hope to have a baptism come the first of the year or so and not slow down there. Knock on wood.

As I studied in the four gospels again this week I felt, just as I had before, the same power that comes when I read in 3 Nephi when Jesus comes to minister. Except this time when I read I had an extraordinary feeling of being right there with Christ during that time. I felt like I was actually apart of His small group of close colleagues, walking with Him and talking-- listening, rather, to Him. It was an incredible experience.

I know that the windows of heaven will be opened up to all those who diligenty keep the commandments from our Father.

I love you more!

-Elder Wheatley

"If you can stand up!"

Hi Momma!

Sounds like your week was as exciting as mine... Here's what happened:

I was supposed to stay in the tripanionship with Elder T and F but President had revelation and I am now companions with a kid from Hooper, Utah. He's cool. Really good at basketball. We'll get along great. But here's the kicker--- when President dropped him off on Wednesday he turned to us and said not to go out driving the next day. I asked if we could walk and he turned to me and said, "If you can stand up."

Lo and behold, this is our first day out since then. Luckily all my stuff was still at the PB apt so we have been there, so it hasn't been completely boring with four elders. We found things to do. haha

We went out a couple times because we couldn't stand being inside forever but it was for good reasons and we prayed about it before we went. It was to go teach lessons or help members-- so worth it.

You should have seen Walmart the night that the "biggest storm in 30 years" was supposed to hit. 20-25 minute lines, no food on the shelf-- complete madness. So fun. There we 30+ electrical trucks from Indiana sitting in the parking lot. It was supposed to be crazy! But... haha--- nothing actually happened. Kind of bummed that we were forced to sit inside all day but it was good because I was able to do some reading that I've always wanted to do-- Our Heritage, Jesus the Christ, and all the other good ones.

Anyway, the other set of elders want us to go play ball so I better run. I might hop on later. Hope and praying you start feeling better. Let me know.

Love you more,

-Elder Wheatley