We'd love for you to join us and hear Elder Britton Winterrose speak in Sacrament Meeting ~ March 18th at 9:00 a.m. in the chapel next to the Columbia River Temple (969 Gage Boulevard, Richland, Washington).
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Monday, March 12, 2012
One Last Email...
I will finish simply with my testimony, my knowledge of the truthfulness of the things that I have taught and represented while dedicating the last two years of my life to serving in the Alaska Anchorage Mission. I know God is our Eternal Father, that He is our best friend, and He loves us more than we can comprehend. I see now how clearly He manifested His love for me by providing me with the parents I was blessed to have. I know that His Son is our Savior - Jesus Christ. I know that they are independent beings who work together to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. I know that heaven would not be heaven without my family and friends and that knowledge of God's plan for us has been restored through the restoration of the fullness of the Gospel through the Prophet Joseph Smith Jr. Anyone who sincerely desires to know if God truly has reached out to His children in love by calling a prophet and restoring His church and Gospel to this earth can know by reading the Book of Mormon - A tangible evidence of Joseph's prophetic calling - and then pondering in their hearts to see if the message of the Book of Mormon really does help bring one closer to Christ. Then if we so desire, God will witness the truth of it unto our hearts through the power of the Holy Ghost, the third member of the Godhead. We must be willing to act. We must be willing to show the Father that we are willing to walk the path that He will reveal, otherwise such knowledge if given would be to our own condemnation if we were to simply toss it aside or set it for naught. I know these things are true. I have lived the last two years of my life teaching and experiencing the power of the majesty of our Fathers plan of all of his children. He is there and he wants you to know if this really is true. Just ask.
I know the Church of Jesus Christ is true and I know that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God. Please don't go on in ignorance. Learn of the goodness for yourself. Stop making excuses and try it out!
God will help you know that He is there and that what I have said is true. He has not failed me. He will help you.
Repentance has blessed my life is ways I can only begin to describe but this I know, you can be forgiven of your sins and greater yet - you can overcome the desire to sin. The Truth changed my heart, my mind, and my actions and has rewritten my character according to the heed which I have given the principles of the Gospel.
If you want more information, truthful information, about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints please visit www.mormon.org, lds.org, or visit the nearest meeting house near you and say you want to meet with the missionaries and mention something about baptism. Guarantee you will get all the help you could want.
I love Alaska. I love the Gospel. I know God lives. He helps me find strength beyond my own.
Love Elder Britton Winterrose
Anchorage Alaska Mission
March 2010 - 2012
Monday, March 5, 2012
Well this is most likely the last email I will send home as a missionary. I will be traveling next Monday so I will be very busy. I will try to get on the computer on Saturday to email but I can't make any promises. I will compose my final blog entry upon my arrival home. Just know that this week went well. I am still working hard. We had miracles on Sunday with the people who came to church and the testimonies that were borne. It was pretty awesome.
I love you all. I love Alaska. My departing interview was this week and it was just strange that it was really happening. Crazy Crazy crazy.... It's all just too overwhelming. I can't get anything straight in my mind hahah.
The church is true and youth.lds.org is amazing.
Love,
Elder Britton Winterrose
I love you all. I love Alaska. My departing interview was this week and it was just strange that it was really happening. Crazy Crazy crazy.... It's all just too overwhelming. I can't get anything straight in my mind hahah.
The church is true and youth.lds.org is amazing.
Love,
Elder Britton Winterrose
Monday, February 27, 2012
I got the football and barrel of monkeys you sent! Hahah. Thank you! This week was a pretty good one! No complaints. We were able to begin teaching an awesome young man in the second ward. We met him at D's baptism a few weeks ago and he is a pretty solid kid. He is a good guy at heart and knows what kind of a man he wants to become. His learning about the gospel is also blessing the lives of his friends and all the young men involved so it is pretty awesome.
The work is going well here. Elder Woolburt and I are being obedient and the blessings are pouring in, as they always do. I am really grateful to be serving here. I really don't have a lot to say... I may ship some stuff home if I don't have space. Make a list of things you want me to make sure I bring home. Make a list of things I can leave or toss...
It's crazy crazy to be wrapping up. I can't believe it. I love you all.
- Elder Britton Winterrose
The work is going well here. Elder Woolburt and I are being obedient and the blessings are pouring in, as they always do. I am really grateful to be serving here. I really don't have a lot to say... I may ship some stuff home if I don't have space. Make a list of things you want me to make sure I bring home. Make a list of things I can leave or toss...
It's crazy crazy to be wrapping up. I can't believe it. I love you all.
- Elder Britton Winterrose
Monday, February 20, 2012
Hello Family,
Well this week was another week. People and their agency... It proved to be a very humbling and enlightening week, although those are often some of the most heart breaking and tough. Nevertheless, I know that the Lord is helping me get those little final changes in before I come home. The mission is quite the crucible and every time I feel that pressure bearing down on me I know I just need to search, and pray, and think.... and open my heart. I am blessed to have such wonderful roommates and I am grateful to have awesome missionaries in my district. I got to speak with Pres. a little on Sunday night too and that definitely got me pumped. He is an awesome guy. I can't spend 30 minutes around him without learning some valuable piece of gospel truth. Its pretty neat. I guess right now I am at the step-up or step-out point, but my mind and heart are firmly resolved to step-up, and I feel the strength that the spirit brings to me. Every night I have a different dream... every one a warning for my future. Then I am left to sit and ponder upon these things to analyze my weaknesses and check myself. Have I conquered this? Have I changed that? Have I learned to loathe that which was once appealing? The beauty is that most of the time the answer is yes, but these dreams, some of which are memories, give me the opportunity to relive the past and remember why I have chosen to change. They are helping me solidify within my heart and mind the Lord's will and they reconfirm the importance of making my changes - lasting changes. 3 Nephi 7:8 scares the crap out of me, as I feel it should scare anyone.
And thus six years had not passed away since the more part of the people had turned from their righteousness, like the dog to his vomit, or like the sow to her wallowing in the mire.
Crazy. Six years... They couldn't even maintain for six years! Six years for me puts me at the end of my undergraduate studies. I have seen relatives fall off. People who fell to their own pride. Assuming that they were strong enough... forgetting to strengthen their testimony and forgetting the Lord. The children of Israel struggled with forgetfulness. It seems like a crazy thing. How can someone who served a mission fall into inactivity and fall away? How can someone who once knew spiritual truth no longer feel its truth? Alma drills it into his sons as he admonishes them to REMEMBER. That is my prayer. Simply that I never forget, that I may always remember Him, and always qualify for that gift of the Holy Ghost.
I have met and known many men in my life who seemed to be steadfast pillars of righteousness. I have seen the carnage wrought within the lives of their loved ones as their families crumbled... I have also witnessed the healing power of the Atonement and Repentance, and I know that anyone can return to the arms of our Savior. I am filled with gratitude as I ponder on the captivity of my fathers, as I remember the spiritual bondage that I passed through, and as I read and ponder the Scriptures, my Father in Heaven succors me and reinforces my testimony. My roots dig deeper, my spirit stronger, my agency more free. There is no feeling in the world like knowing that your sins are forgiven, and that you are clean.... not perfect, but clean. I invite all who feel even the slightest twinge of guilt or pain, or those who are "past feeling" to come unto Christ in prayer and follow Him into the waters of Baptism. Remember. Please Remember. It may be painful but it is necessary to repent, for no unclean thing can dwell in the presence of God.
I know that the heaviness of heart is serving its purpose. I feel it changing me, and I feel the increase in joy and love that is the result of my afflictions. I love God. I know this church is true. Serving my mission while clean and worthy is the best choice I have made since being baptized.
If you doubt my words, humble yourself. Read the Book of Mormon and ask God in the name of Christ through sincere prayer. He will witness the truth of His own work to your heart and mind. Don't be afraid to try. Fear not.
I love ya family, can't wait to see ya!
Love Britton!
Well this week was another week. People and their agency... It proved to be a very humbling and enlightening week, although those are often some of the most heart breaking and tough. Nevertheless, I know that the Lord is helping me get those little final changes in before I come home. The mission is quite the crucible and every time I feel that pressure bearing down on me I know I just need to search, and pray, and think.... and open my heart. I am blessed to have such wonderful roommates and I am grateful to have awesome missionaries in my district. I got to speak with Pres. a little on Sunday night too and that definitely got me pumped. He is an awesome guy. I can't spend 30 minutes around him without learning some valuable piece of gospel truth. Its pretty neat. I guess right now I am at the step-up or step-out point, but my mind and heart are firmly resolved to step-up, and I feel the strength that the spirit brings to me. Every night I have a different dream... every one a warning for my future. Then I am left to sit and ponder upon these things to analyze my weaknesses and check myself. Have I conquered this? Have I changed that? Have I learned to loathe that which was once appealing? The beauty is that most of the time the answer is yes, but these dreams, some of which are memories, give me the opportunity to relive the past and remember why I have chosen to change. They are helping me solidify within my heart and mind the Lord's will and they reconfirm the importance of making my changes - lasting changes. 3 Nephi 7:8 scares the crap out of me, as I feel it should scare anyone.
And thus six years had not passed away since the more part of the people had turned from their righteousness, like the dog to his vomit, or like the sow to her wallowing in the mire.
Crazy. Six years... They couldn't even maintain for six years! Six years for me puts me at the end of my undergraduate studies. I have seen relatives fall off. People who fell to their own pride. Assuming that they were strong enough... forgetting to strengthen their testimony and forgetting the Lord. The children of Israel struggled with forgetfulness. It seems like a crazy thing. How can someone who served a mission fall into inactivity and fall away? How can someone who once knew spiritual truth no longer feel its truth? Alma drills it into his sons as he admonishes them to REMEMBER. That is my prayer. Simply that I never forget, that I may always remember Him, and always qualify for that gift of the Holy Ghost.
I have met and known many men in my life who seemed to be steadfast pillars of righteousness. I have seen the carnage wrought within the lives of their loved ones as their families crumbled... I have also witnessed the healing power of the Atonement and Repentance, and I know that anyone can return to the arms of our Savior. I am filled with gratitude as I ponder on the captivity of my fathers, as I remember the spiritual bondage that I passed through, and as I read and ponder the Scriptures, my Father in Heaven succors me and reinforces my testimony. My roots dig deeper, my spirit stronger, my agency more free. There is no feeling in the world like knowing that your sins are forgiven, and that you are clean.... not perfect, but clean. I invite all who feel even the slightest twinge of guilt or pain, or those who are "past feeling" to come unto Christ in prayer and follow Him into the waters of Baptism. Remember. Please Remember. It may be painful but it is necessary to repent, for no unclean thing can dwell in the presence of God.
I know that the heaviness of heart is serving its purpose. I feel it changing me, and I feel the increase in joy and love that is the result of my afflictions. I love God. I know this church is true. Serving my mission while clean and worthy is the best choice I have made since being baptized.
If you doubt my words, humble yourself. Read the Book of Mormon and ask God in the name of Christ through sincere prayer. He will witness the truth of His own work to your heart and mind. Don't be afraid to try. Fear not.
I love ya family, can't wait to see ya!
Love Britton!
Monday, February 13, 2012
Well D's baptism went well! The spirit was strong, there were lots of people there to support him. His mom and sister were able to attend, and he only had to get dunked once!! All-in-all it was a very spiritually uplifting experience and there were many non-members that came which is always awesome! I will attach some pictures of the Baptism.
The work is going well still. Chaos erupts occasionally when you are working with YSA' s :) but for the most part they are a pretty solid group. We've been blessed with some solid investigators who really needed the gospel. Every one is just in a different state of progression at this point. Life is good though.
We had a meeting on Friday that we had to call in to, so we cooked some burgers, hijacked a spare battery from the backup phone, and headed off down the road to enjoy the meeting while eating burgers and chilling on the beach. It felt AWESOME to have the sun come out for a day! It was super warm too, like 45-50 degrees. The sky was pretty clear and the wind was calm... It was a neat meeting too. Lots of good leadership going on in our mission right now. All in all we had a pretty hectic week. No plans for our pday as of yet, but who knows what will end up happening.
I am really doing my best to finish strong. Satan tries so hard to just get you to coast out the end;to go from swimming to treading water waiting for the hour your service will end. True joy, however, comes from doing. Relying on the Lord,and conquering at length.
I have really enjoyed my mission and I am still having a blast. Not knowing if I've been accepted to BYU drives me nuts, but we should know by Friday. Hopefully. I wont forget dads b-day, haha! (It's the day before his so he usually remembers.)
Oh in other news.... I was out hiking and I suffered a fall, and the watch ended up saving my wrist from being fleshed open, but it broke the pin that holds the band to the watch face. I took it into Fred Meyers jewelers here and they said they don't have the pin but they could have the jeweler put a rivet in it.... I was like "No... I'll just call my mom and ask her what I should do." It was funny. Anyways I am going to be sending it back because most all the jewelers up here can't do it and all the big fancy summer jewelers are closed for the season. So yeah... keep an eye out for that one in the mail.
I couldn't get the valentine because it was shipped UPS to the office... They got it and I just made a deal with Sister Campbell that they (all my Mission Grannies) could eat them if they would make me fresh ones when I end up heading back to Anchorage. I think it was a good deal! ;) SO YES THEY WERE DELICIOUS.
I really like Channing's notes from the dream he had. I have been having wacko dreams lately too. But all of them are to instill the fear of God in my heart to keep me from going astray when I return and I am thankful for them. Chan, Heavenly Father just wants you to focus on your work. We will get to see each other again, but only in the Lord's time. Keep your mind centered on your mission, your purpose, and your task (PMG pg 96).
It's so hard to stay focused right now.... BUT I CAN DO IT!!!!
Love Ya!!!
Elder Britton Winterrose
Monday, February 6, 2012
This week was a great week here in Juneau. We had a fun
p-day and then Elder Woolburt arrived. He is way fun. He is from Camano Island,
WA and we get along great. Similar sense of humor and of teaching... Its gonna be
a great transfer
5 weeks.... 5 weeks... 5 weeks... Every day I wake up I have the number of days pop through my head till those transfers that are approaching so quickly. Every day seems to slip through my fingers and each day seems to go quicker than the last as we work and work and work. D's baptism will be this Saturday but we decided to do it in the church because it is a little easier to maintain the sacredness and spirit of the ordinance in the church building. I'm way stoked for the baptism though!! Its gonna be awesome! He has a solid testimony and is so ready to be baptized.
It is a little nerve racking to be approaching the end so quickly but my heart is at peace knowing that I have grown and served according to my best ability. IT BLOWS MY MIND THAT I STILL HAVEN'T HEARD FROM BYU!!!!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHG!!! Oh well. I can wait.
So I have been thinking of things I would like to do after my mission because I want to make sure that I have constructive things to fill my time with. One thing that I would like to do is learn Chinese (Mandarin). I know that Rosetta Stone has a 6-month money back guarantee if you purchase the software directly from them... So I was thinking that I would like to try it out and if it doesn't work than I would return it. It's just an idea for now... but I am certain that it would prove to be a very valuable skill if nurtured. Just one idea for a Christmas gift I guess!
Well I don't really have any profound spiritual things to say today. Just doing my best to keep on working hard and making the last few weeks count.
Love ya,
Elder Britton Winterrose
5 weeks.... 5 weeks... 5 weeks... Every day I wake up I have the number of days pop through my head till those transfers that are approaching so quickly. Every day seems to slip through my fingers and each day seems to go quicker than the last as we work and work and work. D's baptism will be this Saturday but we decided to do it in the church because it is a little easier to maintain the sacredness and spirit of the ordinance in the church building. I'm way stoked for the baptism though!! Its gonna be awesome! He has a solid testimony and is so ready to be baptized.
It is a little nerve racking to be approaching the end so quickly but my heart is at peace knowing that I have grown and served according to my best ability. IT BLOWS MY MIND THAT I STILL HAVEN'T HEARD FROM BYU!!!!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHG!!! Oh well. I can wait.
So I have been thinking of things I would like to do after my mission because I want to make sure that I have constructive things to fill my time with. One thing that I would like to do is learn Chinese (Mandarin). I know that Rosetta Stone has a 6-month money back guarantee if you purchase the software directly from them... So I was thinking that I would like to try it out and if it doesn't work than I would return it. It's just an idea for now... but I am certain that it would prove to be a very valuable skill if nurtured. Just one idea for a Christmas gift I guess!
Well I don't really have any profound spiritual things to say today. Just doing my best to keep on working hard and making the last few weeks count.
Love ya,
Elder Britton Winterrose
Monday, January 30, 2012
Hey Mom and Family,
Well life is going well here in Juneau! We are having a wonderful time. We picked up a golden investigator! His name is D. and he is so prepared by the Lord! He is on date to be baptized on Feb 11th. We may even hold the baptism in the glacier lake!! Like cut a hole in the ice! TOO AWESOME!! Haha I am just stoked for him. He is so ready for the gospel!!
In other news Elder Drake is getting transferred to Homer, which is sick, and he is pretty stoked for that. I will be receiving Elder Woolburt. He is from Washington! He actually met Auntie Re in the temple when he was taking out his endowment before his mission. We have brushed shoulders a couple of times and he seems like a really awesome guy, I can't wait to serve with him. I will miss Elder Drake though.
I prayed for snow and it's been dumping more and more daily! :) I love the snow though. On Saturday we got to go to a YSA sledding activity. There was a small creek at the bottom of the hill so I built a jump and jumped the creek on one of those ghetto plastic snowboard things. Then like everyone started jumping the creek on a tube. It was pretty awesome. I can't wait to go snowboarding/ maybe skiing when I get home.
Today for P-day were gonna meet D out on the frozen lake and he is gonna pull us behind his snow machine while we ride on a mattress covered with a tarp. Its like tubing behind the boat!!! I'm pretty stoked for that.
Life is going well. I love being here in Juneau. We have lots of people to teach and they are progressing quickly. We work hard and have lots of fun. President even told me that's why he sent me here! :)
I should hear back from byu Provo here in the next 3 to 4 weeks. Also, for my b-day, I would just like funds to give me a running start when I get home, and maybe I could get that sharp suit before I take off. :)
Oh, and mom, could you invite the Dances to my homecoming? I think it would be cool to have like an open house on Saturday, with my talk on Sunday... Let me know what you think.
Well, I've got to get going! Love you all though!!
Elder Britton Winterrose
Well life is going well here in Juneau! We are having a wonderful time. We picked up a golden investigator! His name is D. and he is so prepared by the Lord! He is on date to be baptized on Feb 11th. We may even hold the baptism in the glacier lake!! Like cut a hole in the ice! TOO AWESOME!! Haha I am just stoked for him. He is so ready for the gospel!!
In other news Elder Drake is getting transferred to Homer, which is sick, and he is pretty stoked for that. I will be receiving Elder Woolburt. He is from Washington! He actually met Auntie Re in the temple when he was taking out his endowment before his mission. We have brushed shoulders a couple of times and he seems like a really awesome guy, I can't wait to serve with him. I will miss Elder Drake though.
I prayed for snow and it's been dumping more and more daily! :) I love the snow though. On Saturday we got to go to a YSA sledding activity. There was a small creek at the bottom of the hill so I built a jump and jumped the creek on one of those ghetto plastic snowboard things. Then like everyone started jumping the creek on a tube. It was pretty awesome. I can't wait to go snowboarding/ maybe skiing when I get home.
Today for P-day were gonna meet D out on the frozen lake and he is gonna pull us behind his snow machine while we ride on a mattress covered with a tarp. Its like tubing behind the boat!!! I'm pretty stoked for that.
Life is going well. I love being here in Juneau. We have lots of people to teach and they are progressing quickly. We work hard and have lots of fun. President even told me that's why he sent me here! :)
I should hear back from byu Provo here in the next 3 to 4 weeks. Also, for my b-day, I would just like funds to give me a running start when I get home, and maybe I could get that sharp suit before I take off. :)
Oh, and mom, could you invite the Dances to my homecoming? I think it would be cool to have like an open house on Saturday, with my talk on Sunday... Let me know what you think.
Well, I've got to get going! Love you all though!!
Elder Britton Winterrose
Monday, January 23, 2012
Dear Dad and Family,
Thanks for the letter dad. It does become really difficult to stay focused as you get closer to the end. Luckily I have been blessed with two wonderful areas to cover and a ton of work between the two. Heavenly Father is definitely in charge of His work here and He always comes through to guide us to those elect who have been prepared. I know He has more in store for me both here in the mission field and for my future after the mission.
We have been blessed with new investigators coming out of the woodwork as we strive to use our talents according to the promptings of the spirit. We have been going to volleyball for 2 weeks now and we were able to get some non-members to come out, some we are even teaching now. The work is going well and I know that it is because of Heavenly Father's wisdom. He knows me better than I know myself. He knows what I am capable of and what I can achieve with His help and constant guidance. He is also the only one who knows exactly how to prepare me, through experience and trial, to be ready to meet the challenges and opportunities that my future will bring. He is my God. My Father. His Son is my Redeemer. I trust Them and love Them.
I am excited for the opportunities that the future will bring, but my eye is focused on what I can do now to work hard and help the people that I have the opportunity to come in contact with. I hate to count chickens before they hatch though!! SO I will withhold stories for now!! Singing is an awesome way to teach and invite the spirit.
I can't wait to get to try to ski! It will be a blast!
Also, this week we borrowed some ice skates from members and went and had district meeting on the MENDENHALL GLACIER! It was awesome. The day before we walked out to the glacier with Pres. & Sis. Beesley after we had specialized training. It was sick!!! Sister Beesley was moving like nothing could stop her from touching that glacier!
We've had a bunch of lessons and they have been going well. Sunday, Elder Williams and I were together while our companions were in Hoonah. It was nuts because we had to go to 3 sacrament meetings and were at church for 6 hours or so. :)
Well I love you all! I hope everything is going well for you back home! Its crazy how time is flying so fast, yet going so slow.
Love ya all!!
-Elder Britton Winterrose
Thanks for the letter dad. It does become really difficult to stay focused as you get closer to the end. Luckily I have been blessed with two wonderful areas to cover and a ton of work between the two. Heavenly Father is definitely in charge of His work here and He always comes through to guide us to those elect who have been prepared. I know He has more in store for me both here in the mission field and for my future after the mission.
We have been blessed with new investigators coming out of the woodwork as we strive to use our talents according to the promptings of the spirit. We have been going to volleyball for 2 weeks now and we were able to get some non-members to come out, some we are even teaching now. The work is going well and I know that it is because of Heavenly Father's wisdom. He knows me better than I know myself. He knows what I am capable of and what I can achieve with His help and constant guidance. He is also the only one who knows exactly how to prepare me, through experience and trial, to be ready to meet the challenges and opportunities that my future will bring. He is my God. My Father. His Son is my Redeemer. I trust Them and love Them.
I am excited for the opportunities that the future will bring, but my eye is focused on what I can do now to work hard and help the people that I have the opportunity to come in contact with. I hate to count chickens before they hatch though!! SO I will withhold stories for now!! Singing is an awesome way to teach and invite the spirit.
I can't wait to get to try to ski! It will be a blast!
Also, this week we borrowed some ice skates from members and went and had district meeting on the MENDENHALL GLACIER! It was awesome. The day before we walked out to the glacier with Pres. & Sis. Beesley after we had specialized training. It was sick!!! Sister Beesley was moving like nothing could stop her from touching that glacier!
We've had a bunch of lessons and they have been going well. Sunday, Elder Williams and I were together while our companions were in Hoonah. It was nuts because we had to go to 3 sacrament meetings and were at church for 6 hours or so. :)
Well I love you all! I hope everything is going well for you back home! Its crazy how time is flying so fast, yet going so slow.
Love ya all!!
-Elder Britton Winterrose
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Well hello friends and family,
Well this week was a good week. We were able to begin teaching new people we met and that was pretty neat. They are nice people and are willing to learn about the gospel. Its always good to meet people who sincerely just want to follow Jesus Christ. We were able to teach a lesson to these two girls but one of them was asking a lot of contentious questions. It still went well though, because we were able to keep directing them back to the big questions - Was Joseph Smith a prophet of God? Did he really translate the Book of Mormon? We also kept refocusing on how they could know for themselves. I invited them to ponder the following: Was Noah a Prophet? Yes!? Well, why did so few heed his words? Was it because he wasn't a true prophet? Nope. It was simply because the people were convinced that he was crazy and that they all ready knew that what he was saying could never happen! 'THERE COULDN'T BE A FLOOD BECAUSE THAT'S NOT HOW THE GOD WE KNOW WORKS'. Who knows what was going through their heads... We know now though that he was a prophet. Would you have believed Noah? Next, If God had a wonderful, miraculous message of greater knowledge and truth that He wanted to deliver to all man kind how would He do it? How would He restore it? How would He get it to you? It would be in the same manner in which He has done so for centuries. He would call a prophet to reveal, organize, and serve as a shepherd over His flocks.
I related an analogy similar to the following to them: If our friend Colt told me to tell you to do something that was super important, and you didn't believe that he actually told me to tell you, would you just reject a really important thing? Or would you call up Colt and ask him if it was true?
That is what we as missionaries do. We pass on the message. If you don't believe us then just try out the message to see if its really good - ask God if He sent us. Simple.
Many people are just intimidated by the idea of Spiritual truth being delivered by a stranger. Let's draw another parallel. Mormons do this thing every holiday season where they make cookies and baked goods and then go and ding-dong ditch another member's home and leave the cookies; hopefully making their escape before the other people see them.
Well, the other day a member was telling us a story of how her son and some of his friends went to do the very same thing, with one exception: they were going to leave the cookies on a random person's doorstep with the intention of brightening the hearts of someone else. So they went about their baking and preparations and began their adventure. As they left the cookies and hid to watch the reactions of the people from afar they were disappointed with the reaction of nearly all the people. Most of the people were irritated, bothered, or angry that someone would pull such a 'prank' and some even tossed the cookies while in plain view. Their reaction was dictated by the fear that someone was trying to deceive and/or destroy them, and in turn these random acts of kindness were perceived as pranks.
The difference between my parents letting us eat the cookies that showed up on the doorstep and the people who tossed them was expectation. Many lies are propagated about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints by people who, in all actuality, know nothing of our faith and have never attempted to learn if it was true by simply 'tasting' of the 'cookies' that we walk around trying to share. I walk around with a plate of revealed truths, testifying that they are indeed sweet and amazing, and that they will bless peoples lives. Many times they reject me, even though my very existence as a missionary testifies of its truth.
No one can make a 19-26 yr old do anything they don't want to do. PERIOD.
And the only reason I would ever do this work is because I know it is true. I have read the Book of Mormon from cover to cover, not as a skeptic, but with the same desire that any true adventurer or scientist, who has ever discovered something great or amazing has proven their desires and hopes true. A skeptics answer is ignorance. Too often skeptics do not do all that is required in order to find the truth.
In order to learn of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon for ourselves, independent of any other person, being, or influence on this earth; an individual must read it, and then pray to God, in the Name of Jesus Christ, and ask if the book is true. Those who meet the qualifications of possessing faith in Jesus Christ, a sincere desire to know the truth of it, and real intent to act on the message if it is true - will receive an answer from God through His Holy Ghost, of the book's truth, purity, and divine origins.
Anyone can know, if they are willing to try the cookies. :) That's why members need to work to share the gospel, its a lot easier to eat a cookie from a friend than a stranger!
I hope this all makes since. If not, I would be happy to explain to any who have questions. My contact info is on my blog page.
Love,
Elder Britton Winterrose
Well this week was a good week. We were able to begin teaching new people we met and that was pretty neat. They are nice people and are willing to learn about the gospel. Its always good to meet people who sincerely just want to follow Jesus Christ. We were able to teach a lesson to these two girls but one of them was asking a lot of contentious questions. It still went well though, because we were able to keep directing them back to the big questions - Was Joseph Smith a prophet of God? Did he really translate the Book of Mormon? We also kept refocusing on how they could know for themselves. I invited them to ponder the following: Was Noah a Prophet? Yes!? Well, why did so few heed his words? Was it because he wasn't a true prophet? Nope. It was simply because the people were convinced that he was crazy and that they all ready knew that what he was saying could never happen! 'THERE COULDN'T BE A FLOOD BECAUSE THAT'S NOT HOW THE GOD WE KNOW WORKS'. Who knows what was going through their heads... We know now though that he was a prophet. Would you have believed Noah? Next, If God had a wonderful, miraculous message of greater knowledge and truth that He wanted to deliver to all man kind how would He do it? How would He restore it? How would He get it to you? It would be in the same manner in which He has done so for centuries. He would call a prophet to reveal, organize, and serve as a shepherd over His flocks.
I related an analogy similar to the following to them: If our friend Colt told me to tell you to do something that was super important, and you didn't believe that he actually told me to tell you, would you just reject a really important thing? Or would you call up Colt and ask him if it was true?
That is what we as missionaries do. We pass on the message. If you don't believe us then just try out the message to see if its really good - ask God if He sent us. Simple.
Many people are just intimidated by the idea of Spiritual truth being delivered by a stranger. Let's draw another parallel. Mormons do this thing every holiday season where they make cookies and baked goods and then go and ding-dong ditch another member's home and leave the cookies; hopefully making their escape before the other people see them.
Well, the other day a member was telling us a story of how her son and some of his friends went to do the very same thing, with one exception: they were going to leave the cookies on a random person's doorstep with the intention of brightening the hearts of someone else. So they went about their baking and preparations and began their adventure. As they left the cookies and hid to watch the reactions of the people from afar they were disappointed with the reaction of nearly all the people. Most of the people were irritated, bothered, or angry that someone would pull such a 'prank' and some even tossed the cookies while in plain view. Their reaction was dictated by the fear that someone was trying to deceive and/or destroy them, and in turn these random acts of kindness were perceived as pranks.
The difference between my parents letting us eat the cookies that showed up on the doorstep and the people who tossed them was expectation. Many lies are propagated about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints by people who, in all actuality, know nothing of our faith and have never attempted to learn if it was true by simply 'tasting' of the 'cookies' that we walk around trying to share. I walk around with a plate of revealed truths, testifying that they are indeed sweet and amazing, and that they will bless peoples lives. Many times they reject me, even though my very existence as a missionary testifies of its truth.
No one can make a 19-26 yr old do anything they don't want to do. PERIOD.
And the only reason I would ever do this work is because I know it is true. I have read the Book of Mormon from cover to cover, not as a skeptic, but with the same desire that any true adventurer or scientist, who has ever discovered something great or amazing has proven their desires and hopes true. A skeptics answer is ignorance. Too often skeptics do not do all that is required in order to find the truth.
In order to learn of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon for ourselves, independent of any other person, being, or influence on this earth; an individual must read it, and then pray to God, in the Name of Jesus Christ, and ask if the book is true. Those who meet the qualifications of possessing faith in Jesus Christ, a sincere desire to know the truth of it, and real intent to act on the message if it is true - will receive an answer from God through His Holy Ghost, of the book's truth, purity, and divine origins.
Anyone can know, if they are willing to try the cookies. :) That's why members need to work to share the gospel, its a lot easier to eat a cookie from a friend than a stranger!
I hope this all makes since. If not, I would be happy to explain to any who have questions. My contact info is on my blog page.
Love,
Elder Britton Winterrose
Monday, January 9, 2012
Dear Mom!
Things in the world are good here in Juneau. We had a successful week and were able to teach and meet more of the ward. We have picked up a few new investigators so that is always rewarding as well... its really nice here.
We worked out this last week, I did squats on Friday and I'm still struggling with walking... SO sore! Haha. That's what I was aiming for though. We did chest and back this morning. We get to go to the HS and work out in the Gym because the Bishop in the other ward is a teacher there and he goes with us. Its a great way to wake myself up in the mornings... and improve my physique. :) I am excited to get home and hang out with Dain and Mo! I can't wait to get them to the gym with me. Dain just remember, everything that coach McMinn was telling you about will over matter is true. I don't work out just because I want to get ripped. Its much more than that. I want to work to be my best self - spiritually, physically, mentally, academically. Most of all though, if you can learn to master your body and keep the commandments of God then you will be unstoppable. You will be blessed with opportunities to do good and will be given gifts, challenges, and trials - all of which will build you up and bring you closer to your Savior and Heavenly Father if you always remain humble and rely on their guidance through the Holy Ghost. Plus all the ladies will go crazy for ya! Hahaha. Learn this - when you work hard and gain through your endeavors it feels amazing. Keep at it bro.
And Morgan... about the ladies! Be good. Always, always, always respect them.... that means keeping the Law of Chastity even if they don't want to. (DON'T HANG AROUND GIRLS WHO DON'T WANT TO KEEP IT.)
I feel grateful to have such awesome brothers.
Life here is going good. We seem to be stuck in the middle of a blizzard as I type. 20 min ago when I walked in it was clear - but now its going crazy outside.
I got my xtra-tuffs back. I love wearing these things around. You don't have to worry about getting your foot swamped when you slide into a puddle.
17,000 texts.... are you sure you didn't mistake the decimal?! That's insane....
The Special Olympic Coaching story cracked me up. I would like to try out skiing when I get home.... maybe.
Oh other things.... the new Mormon messages on youth.lds.org are awesome... well, most of them. Some of them are cheesy or dumb. They are pretty awesome for the most part.
So I was supposed to give a talk on Sunday about home teaching in the singles branch but I was the 3rd speaker and the first speaker went a little long, and then my comp kinda thought he had more time than we actually did, so I ended up with 6 minutes :) I was cool with that! As a missionary you better be able to teach whether given 3 minutes or 30 minutes. So I got up, talked about how my Home Teachers, Brother Hamilton and Brother Roxburgh, were awesome and were super diligent in magnifying their calling as our Home Teachers. I will always be grateful for the way they showed interest in my salvation. Bro. Hamilton even gave me the G's I'm wearing (they stay white if you wash them with Tide :) ) Then I sang a song.... spirit told me to. I have really been trying to share the gospel with the talents I've been given. I sang Lord, I would follow thee. It went OK for no practice and that dehydrated state you get in when you're fasting (it was 2nd ward's fast Sunday). Then I shared my testimony - the same one I will now share with you:
I was really blessed with great Home Teaching companions and families, and I am grateful for the opportunity to reflect on their examples and those experiences as I prepared my talk.
So that was my talk. Our Sundays are long. Get to church around 9. Then singles branch starts at 9:20 and goes till 12:30. Then we mingle for 15 min. with them and begin to greet people who come to the 2nd ward. 2nd ward starts at 1:00 and then after church we helped set up because we had a "Break the Fast" ( a week late because not many people were at the singles branch last week) at 5:00 before we watched the CES fireside at 6:00. So we arrived at 9:00 am and got out at 7:20 pm. LONG DAY!!! Hahah.
The fireside was awesome. A wonderful talk; awesome insights into the gift of the Holy Ghost and how we can live our lives by its guidance. The only bad thing is that I remembered my glasses and the speaker kept licking his lips.... it bugged me, probably because I was really tired. So I did what I do anytime something like that happens - I began to count. 189 times. That's how many times I counted him licking his lips during the fireside. Buy that man some chapstick. :)
It really was an amazing talk though.
I am pumped to sing for Bro. Hammond. I will be ready! You let him know! You can talk to Jan about getting it all set up.
Waiting on byu Provo is killing me. KILLING ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm way glad to hear that Hayden is gonna go. That is awesome. The mission is worth it no matter what it takes to get straight with the Lord and get out into the field.
We have Elder Holland, who is awesome; Elder Williams, who is also awesome and is one of my top mission homies; and Elder Drake, who is awesome - all living with me in our double wide! Its pretty awesome. Our district is composed of Elder and Sister Later and us four. The Laters are in Sitka and they call in to our district meetings. We only see our Mission President if he flies down for a conference or training and I think our next one is on the 18th. Other than that we just keep in touch via email. He trusts me though... especially when I'm living with the ZL's !! He told me to make him proud. So that is what I'm going to do. That is the kind of missionary I am, and strive to make choices that will maintain that.
Trust in the Lord with all thy might.. ALL OF IT. DON'T EVEN SO MUCH AS LEAN UNTO YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING. In everything acknowledge His hand and wisdom, with an attitude of gratitude. Do these things and you will always be provided the path that will enable you to do His work. Its funny - the more you yield, the more your mission will yield.
I hope Chan is doing good!
I love you all and miss ya!
Elder Britton Winterrose
Things in the world are good here in Juneau. We had a successful week and were able to teach and meet more of the ward. We have picked up a few new investigators so that is always rewarding as well... its really nice here.
We worked out this last week, I did squats on Friday and I'm still struggling with walking... SO sore! Haha. That's what I was aiming for though. We did chest and back this morning. We get to go to the HS and work out in the Gym because the Bishop in the other ward is a teacher there and he goes with us. Its a great way to wake myself up in the mornings... and improve my physique. :) I am excited to get home and hang out with Dain and Mo! I can't wait to get them to the gym with me. Dain just remember, everything that coach McMinn was telling you about will over matter is true. I don't work out just because I want to get ripped. Its much more than that. I want to work to be my best self - spiritually, physically, mentally, academically. Most of all though, if you can learn to master your body and keep the commandments of God then you will be unstoppable. You will be blessed with opportunities to do good and will be given gifts, challenges, and trials - all of which will build you up and bring you closer to your Savior and Heavenly Father if you always remain humble and rely on their guidance through the Holy Ghost. Plus all the ladies will go crazy for ya! Hahaha. Learn this - when you work hard and gain through your endeavors it feels amazing. Keep at it bro.
And Morgan... about the ladies! Be good. Always, always, always respect them.... that means keeping the Law of Chastity even if they don't want to. (DON'T HANG AROUND GIRLS WHO DON'T WANT TO KEEP IT.)
I feel grateful to have such awesome brothers.
Life here is going good. We seem to be stuck in the middle of a blizzard as I type. 20 min ago when I walked in it was clear - but now its going crazy outside.
I got my xtra-tuffs back. I love wearing these things around. You don't have to worry about getting your foot swamped when you slide into a puddle.
17,000 texts.... are you sure you didn't mistake the decimal?! That's insane....
The Special Olympic Coaching story cracked me up. I would like to try out skiing when I get home.... maybe.
Oh other things.... the new Mormon messages on youth.lds.org are awesome... well, most of them. Some of them are cheesy or dumb. They are pretty awesome for the most part.
So I was supposed to give a talk on Sunday about home teaching in the singles branch but I was the 3rd speaker and the first speaker went a little long, and then my comp kinda thought he had more time than we actually did, so I ended up with 6 minutes :) I was cool with that! As a missionary you better be able to teach whether given 3 minutes or 30 minutes. So I got up, talked about how my Home Teachers, Brother Hamilton and Brother Roxburgh, were awesome and were super diligent in magnifying their calling as our Home Teachers. I will always be grateful for the way they showed interest in my salvation. Bro. Hamilton even gave me the G's I'm wearing (they stay white if you wash them with Tide :) ) Then I sang a song.... spirit told me to. I have really been trying to share the gospel with the talents I've been given. I sang Lord, I would follow thee. It went OK for no practice and that dehydrated state you get in when you're fasting (it was 2nd ward's fast Sunday). Then I shared my testimony - the same one I will now share with you:
If you serve your brothers and sisters will all diligence in the gospel then your Heavenly Father will bless your earthly brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, friends and enemies. I know He does. He has blessed mine in ways I cannot even comprehend, and I know His promise is sure. His invitation is extended to all within the sound of His voice, especially His priesthood bearers.
I was really blessed with great Home Teaching companions and families, and I am grateful for the opportunity to reflect on their examples and those experiences as I prepared my talk.
So that was my talk. Our Sundays are long. Get to church around 9. Then singles branch starts at 9:20 and goes till 12:30. Then we mingle for 15 min. with them and begin to greet people who come to the 2nd ward. 2nd ward starts at 1:00 and then after church we helped set up because we had a "Break the Fast" ( a week late because not many people were at the singles branch last week) at 5:00 before we watched the CES fireside at 6:00. So we arrived at 9:00 am and got out at 7:20 pm. LONG DAY!!! Hahah.
The fireside was awesome. A wonderful talk; awesome insights into the gift of the Holy Ghost and how we can live our lives by its guidance. The only bad thing is that I remembered my glasses and the speaker kept licking his lips.... it bugged me, probably because I was really tired. So I did what I do anytime something like that happens - I began to count. 189 times. That's how many times I counted him licking his lips during the fireside. Buy that man some chapstick. :)
It really was an amazing talk though.
I am pumped to sing for Bro. Hammond. I will be ready! You let him know! You can talk to Jan about getting it all set up.
Waiting on byu Provo is killing me. KILLING ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm way glad to hear that Hayden is gonna go. That is awesome. The mission is worth it no matter what it takes to get straight with the Lord and get out into the field.
We have Elder Holland, who is awesome; Elder Williams, who is also awesome and is one of my top mission homies; and Elder Drake, who is awesome - all living with me in our double wide! Its pretty awesome. Our district is composed of Elder and Sister Later and us four. The Laters are in Sitka and they call in to our district meetings. We only see our Mission President if he flies down for a conference or training and I think our next one is on the 18th. Other than that we just keep in touch via email. He trusts me though... especially when I'm living with the ZL's !! He told me to make him proud. So that is what I'm going to do. That is the kind of missionary I am, and strive to make choices that will maintain that.
Trust in the Lord with all thy might.. ALL OF IT. DON'T EVEN SO MUCH AS LEAN UNTO YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING. In everything acknowledge His hand and wisdom, with an attitude of gratitude. Do these things and you will always be provided the path that will enable you to do His work. Its funny - the more you yield, the more your mission will yield.
I hope Chan is doing good!
I love you all and miss ya!
Elder Britton Winterrose
Monday, January 2, 2012
Well hello family! We had a good week. We were able to have really nice experiences. One time we went to a door, at an address we had scheduled an appointment at. We went up and assumed that the girl was R-----. who we were trying to contact and were like "Hey hows it going, we are here to meet with you." She just kind of had a baffled look on her face and then she was like, "Sorry guys, tonight's not a good night." So we asked when we could come back and she told us to comeback tomorrow. So right before we left I was like, "My name is Elder Winterrose BTW," and we shook hands and replied "K----." I had forgotten the name of the person we were supposed to be contacting, but Elder Drake quickly informed me as we walked back to the car that we were trying to contact R----... not K---. So we basically walked up, knocked on her door, told her that we were there to teach her, and she gave us a day to come back. Pretty funny.
We cover the 1st branch and 2nd ward, so I just call us the Juneau 1/2 Ward Elders. We were able to meet the members of our branch and ward on Sunday. There was a lot of focus on missionary work, the rescue, and many good contacts with members -- just too many small connections for me to be anywhere other than here. The work is slow now but the members are getting excited and I know that it will all work out! This is where I am supposed to be!
We were unable to work out hard over the holidays but we were able to start working out again this morning. It feels so good to be sore.
Its a blast serving with and alongside these Elders. Its just so much fun.
I am glad to hear that you did get some snow while you were up at Bachelor. That's awesome. I can't wait to see some pics of your adventure!!!
Everything is going well here. I love Juneau.
Well I love you all I hope you had a happy new year. Everyone needs to make sure they read Pres. Monson's message for this month
http://lds.org/liahona/2012/01/living-the-abundant-life?lang=eng, its awesome.
Love,
Elder Britton Winterrose
We cover the 1st branch and 2nd ward, so I just call us the Juneau 1/2 Ward Elders. We were able to meet the members of our branch and ward on Sunday. There was a lot of focus on missionary work, the rescue, and many good contacts with members -- just too many small connections for me to be anywhere other than here. The work is slow now but the members are getting excited and I know that it will all work out! This is where I am supposed to be!
We were unable to work out hard over the holidays but we were able to start working out again this morning. It feels so good to be sore.
Its a blast serving with and alongside these Elders. Its just so much fun.
I am glad to hear that you did get some snow while you were up at Bachelor. That's awesome. I can't wait to see some pics of your adventure!!!
Everything is going well here. I love Juneau.
Well I love you all I hope you had a happy new year. Everyone needs to make sure they read Pres. Monson's message for this month
http://lds.org/liahona/2012/01/living-the-abundant-life?lang=eng, its awesome.
Love,
Elder Britton Winterrose
Monday, December 26, 2011
Hey Mom,
Well the college that we usually email at is closed for break right now so my time to email is very limited.
I got your email! Hope it all works out. It would be a huge bummer to be there and not have any snow!!
It was really good to talk to you all and I cant believe that I will get to see you soon. Its crazy!!!
Christmas was good! Had dinner with a really nice young family. Elder Drake and I both got to talk to our families, so that was way nice.
I love you guys! I hope everything is going well for you!
Love Elder Britton Winterrose
Well the college that we usually email at is closed for break right now so my time to email is very limited.
I got your email! Hope it all works out. It would be a huge bummer to be there and not have any snow!!
It was really good to talk to you all and I cant believe that I will get to see you soon. Its crazy!!!
Christmas was good! Had dinner with a really nice young family. Elder Drake and I both got to talk to our families, so that was way nice.
I love you guys! I hope everything is going well for you!
Love Elder Britton Winterrose
Monday, December 19, 2011
I have had like ZERO time to respond or write thank-you notes as personal as I would like to because of how busy I have been with packing and such. I sent home a box the other day... a friend at FedEx shipped it for me so it went out super cheap! Don't hurt your back trying to lift it though! The suits I got earlier would need a little bit of extreme tailoring at this point to make them fit really nice because of how much weight I've lost. I think the blue one might fit Dad though. They are very pretty suits. There are also are a bunch of institute manuals. I remembered that you, mom, asked if I would get the ones when I was back home... well Brother Bacon, the institute teacher here, hooked me up with the manuals, so merry Christmas. I kept one of them and I will bring it home with me when I return. I didn't have time to write about everything I put in the box or even time to go Christmas shopping because of how busy we have been.
Oh so back to the transfers. I am bummed to be leaving the Anchorage YSA ward because I really love that ward. It will be nice to have a change of scenery though and I am always up for a new adventure. I am excited to get to go back to the south east. I may even be rooming up with Elder Kyle T. Williams. He is going down to serve with Elder Holland in the other ward in Juneau, and I will be serving with Elder Drake, who was trained by Elder Nate Coleman. He is a way nice guy and I am pretty stoked to serve with him. He came out in the same group as Elders Tyler Williams, Poole, Grate, and Johansen. I am way excited.
I sent Chan his Xmas gift. Sorry I couldn't write a letter Chan.. just didn`t have time!!!! AHHHGH!!!
I got the packages from home, both of them!
THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU!! I love the cologne and the Tie is awesome! and the card made me laugh.
I did get the package from Bonnie. THANK YOU!!! Again... awesome tie! It's just nice to be remembered.
I got grandma carolyn's card, Thanks Grandma!
I got grandma billie's letter but I just haven't gotten back to her yet... so bogged down.
I feel really grateful to have been called to serve. I was asking the assistants when I fly out (to Juneau) for transfers... so they told me that I fly out on the 12th... and I thought about it for a bit and then was like 'Oh they mean 12th of March... :( ' Haha.
I guess it is the final countdown. Oh did I mention President let us go to the Dimond ward Christmas Party? EVERYONE was there, it was a wonderful treat. Definitely a tender mercy from the Lord.
I will really miss this ward, but the only thing I can ever hope for is for a ward to be as sad when I leave about me leaving as I am about having to leave the ward.
Juneau is gonna be awesome. ADVENTURES WILL OCCUR!!!! I will miss Anchorage and all my friends here. But a new land awaits me and I cannot bind my heart to the land of my exodus.
Hopefully I will hear back from BYU & BYUH this week.
Love,
Elder Britton Winterrose
Monday, December 12, 2011
Well this week was very interesting. We had a lot of crazy stuff happen. Satan is most definitely real! If we do not remove ourselves from the things and people that promote wicked living and the breaking of commandments, we will always falter and struggle. We need to seek the Holy Ghost.
All of the crazy stuff... begins with people permitting wickedness to dwell within their midst. Sometimes it comes disguised as a friend, a worldly possession, or even some "harmless" idea. At times it is forced upon us; perhaps they have come upon hard times, or it surrounds us at work, or we were convinced that it was harmless, and unassumingly received it with open arms. Whatever the reason or means, Christ makes it clear that action is necessary.
Matt 5:29-30
29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
In this parable Christ refers to the Eye (our desires, those things we look towards, goals, aspirations - even ones that began with righteous intentions) and the Hand (our works, talents, abilities) and instructs us that if it is corrupted, if it is leading us into temptation, causing us to stumble, etc... that we should pluck it out; cut it off. He even instructs us to cast it from thee.
I have seen the destructive truth of this parable many times, ESPECIALLY IN MY OWN LIFE, where people will strive to help friends by cleaving to them. As they associate with these people whom they love, they are tempted by the lifestyle, actions, etc... and end up falling back into old temptations or even new ones, because they couldn't "pluck out" or "cut off" a "friend" even when that influence would mean their destruction.
Others I have seen were stuck in a bind. They were in a situation that was initially great, no bad influences, nothing that would beset them. However, something or someone entered into the environment. Sometimes its when a group of friends begins using foul language, living promiscuously, or even using drugs. Other times it could be where someone joins your work group and they are constantly inviting or encouraging you to become involved with their iniquity. Perhaps sometimes they are not doing it consciously... but instead the weak, carnally-natured side of you begins to long and lust after what they have.
Regardless of the situation - whether it means quitting your job, moving, changing schools, breaking up, severing communication entirely with an individual or group, finding new friends, going without friends, excluding yourself from specific activities or hobbies (video games), cutting the cable, changing your cell #, having to kick someone out, etc... (I have had to do most of these) - the counsel is clear; remove these stumbling blocks from your life at ALL COSTS.
In 1 Corinthians 10 God promises to always prepare a way for us to escape temptation because often escaping it is the only manner in which we can withstand or bear it. "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." (v13)
But often it is our love towards man, things, or ideas, and not towards God, that dictates whether or not we actively flee from these temptations. IS IT NOT CLEAR WHY Paul expressly instructs us to FLEE!!! in verse 14, Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry (essentially loving things or ideas more than God) but the command is clear.
In verses 7-10, Paul speaks concerning the people of Israel. He talks of how their wickedness and subsequent chastisement was an example for us to LEARN from. He expressly admonishes us NOT to, "Lust after evil things"(v6), "Neither be ye idolaters" (v7), "Neither let us commit fornication" (premarital sexual relations) (v8), nor "Tempt Christ"(as did those who refused to look upon the bronze serpent to be healed) (v9), or finally, "Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer." (v10)
There it is - lusting after evil things, laziness, premarital sex, doubting Christ's power, and murmuring. We are told in verse 11 that the literal destruction these sins brought upon the people of Israel, "Happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." CRAZY!!! They are written for us in these latter-days!
Finally Paul warns us, (especially those who think they can "handle the temptations") that we must live righteously, "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." (v12) We must keep the commandments of God while living in a way that continues to build and promote our faith in Jesus Christ, avoid temptation, and flee from temptation when it rears its ugly head.
Joseph who was sold as a slave into Egypt faced unrighteous judgment and the death penalty when he chose to flee from, rather than commit adultery with, Potiphar's seductive wife. We must follow his bold and brave example of literally running away from temptation, before Satan binds us down with his strong chains of guilt, addiction, and torment; when we give into temptation we give into his will.
We are counseled to "Watch and pray always, lest ye be tempted by the devil, and ye be led away captive by him." (3Nephi 18:15,18) We need to continuously watch where we are standing, and pray that we may continue to be led from holy place to holy place, that we may always have a holy place to stand and dwell safe from temptation. "Stand ye in holy places, and be not moved," (D&C 45:32) and if the place becomes unholy we must MOVE!!! Through the Gospel and the teachings of the living prophets we can make our homes one such place. As we stand in holy places constantly, we will be filled with the light of the Gospel and we will be able to let our light shine unto all men.
Brothers, Mom, Dad, Friends, Strangers. Believe in Christ. Believe that He was and now is living. He has the power to change your life through His Grace, but only if you exercise your agency by choosing to follow Him and witnessing it through sincere repentance unto baptism by immersion by those who are authorized by Christ through His priesthood to perform this ordinance. It cannot be complete or binding in any other way. His promise to you is that by being baptized you qualify to be confirmed and receive the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost to further help you live righteously and improve while upon this earth.
As Paul said, I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. (Cor. 10:15)
And as James said, If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (James 1:5)
Judge ye my words according to the wisdom that will be granted to you by the Father, if you pray unto Him in the name of Christ.
Judge righteously lest ye be deceived.
I love ya family!!
THREE MONTHS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love ya!
Elder Britton Winterrose
PS Transfers calls are on Saturday.
PPS How much does Chan get for his allotment each month?
All of the crazy stuff... begins with people permitting wickedness to dwell within their midst. Sometimes it comes disguised as a friend, a worldly possession, or even some "harmless" idea. At times it is forced upon us; perhaps they have come upon hard times, or it surrounds us at work, or we were convinced that it was harmless, and unassumingly received it with open arms. Whatever the reason or means, Christ makes it clear that action is necessary.
Matt 5:29-30
29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
In this parable Christ refers to the Eye (our desires, those things we look towards, goals, aspirations - even ones that began with righteous intentions) and the Hand (our works, talents, abilities) and instructs us that if it is corrupted, if it is leading us into temptation, causing us to stumble, etc... that we should pluck it out; cut it off. He even instructs us to cast it from thee.
I have seen the destructive truth of this parable many times, ESPECIALLY IN MY OWN LIFE, where people will strive to help friends by cleaving to them. As they associate with these people whom they love, they are tempted by the lifestyle, actions, etc... and end up falling back into old temptations or even new ones, because they couldn't "pluck out" or "cut off" a "friend" even when that influence would mean their destruction.
Others I have seen were stuck in a bind. They were in a situation that was initially great, no bad influences, nothing that would beset them. However, something or someone entered into the environment. Sometimes its when a group of friends begins using foul language, living promiscuously, or even using drugs. Other times it could be where someone joins your work group and they are constantly inviting or encouraging you to become involved with their iniquity. Perhaps sometimes they are not doing it consciously... but instead the weak, carnally-natured side of you begins to long and lust after what they have.
Regardless of the situation - whether it means quitting your job, moving, changing schools, breaking up, severing communication entirely with an individual or group, finding new friends, going without friends, excluding yourself from specific activities or hobbies (video games), cutting the cable, changing your cell #, having to kick someone out, etc... (I have had to do most of these) - the counsel is clear; remove these stumbling blocks from your life at ALL COSTS.
In 1 Corinthians 10 God promises to always prepare a way for us to escape temptation because often escaping it is the only manner in which we can withstand or bear it. "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." (v13)
But often it is our love towards man, things, or ideas, and not towards God, that dictates whether or not we actively flee from these temptations. IS IT NOT CLEAR WHY Paul expressly instructs us to FLEE!!! in verse 14, Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry (essentially loving things or ideas more than God) but the command is clear.
In verses 7-10, Paul speaks concerning the people of Israel. He talks of how their wickedness and subsequent chastisement was an example for us to LEARN from. He expressly admonishes us NOT to, "Lust after evil things"(v6), "Neither be ye idolaters" (v7), "Neither let us commit fornication" (premarital sexual relations) (v8), nor "Tempt Christ"(as did those who refused to look upon the bronze serpent to be healed) (v9), or finally, "Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer." (v10)
There it is - lusting after evil things, laziness, premarital sex, doubting Christ's power, and murmuring. We are told in verse 11 that the literal destruction these sins brought upon the people of Israel, "Happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." CRAZY!!! They are written for us in these latter-days!
Finally Paul warns us, (especially those who think they can "handle the temptations") that we must live righteously, "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." (v12) We must keep the commandments of God while living in a way that continues to build and promote our faith in Jesus Christ, avoid temptation, and flee from temptation when it rears its ugly head.
Joseph who was sold as a slave into Egypt faced unrighteous judgment and the death penalty when he chose to flee from, rather than commit adultery with, Potiphar's seductive wife. We must follow his bold and brave example of literally running away from temptation, before Satan binds us down with his strong chains of guilt, addiction, and torment; when we give into temptation we give into his will.
We are counseled to "Watch and pray always, lest ye be tempted by the devil, and ye be led away captive by him." (3Nephi 18:15,18) We need to continuously watch where we are standing, and pray that we may continue to be led from holy place to holy place, that we may always have a holy place to stand and dwell safe from temptation. "Stand ye in holy places, and be not moved," (D&C 45:32) and if the place becomes unholy we must MOVE!!! Through the Gospel and the teachings of the living prophets we can make our homes one such place. As we stand in holy places constantly, we will be filled with the light of the Gospel and we will be able to let our light shine unto all men.
Brothers, Mom, Dad, Friends, Strangers. Believe in Christ. Believe that He was and now is living. He has the power to change your life through His Grace, but only if you exercise your agency by choosing to follow Him and witnessing it through sincere repentance unto baptism by immersion by those who are authorized by Christ through His priesthood to perform this ordinance. It cannot be complete or binding in any other way. His promise to you is that by being baptized you qualify to be confirmed and receive the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost to further help you live righteously and improve while upon this earth.
As Paul said, I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. (Cor. 10:15)
And as James said, If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (James 1:5)
Judge ye my words according to the wisdom that will be granted to you by the Father, if you pray unto Him in the name of Christ.
Judge righteously lest ye be deceived.
I love ya family!!
THREE MONTHS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love ya!
Elder Britton Winterrose
PS Transfers calls are on Saturday.
PPS How much does Chan get for his allotment each month?
Monday, December 5, 2011
Hello Everyone!
Well this week was an interesting one. We had high hopes for the work this week but it seems mother nature had other plans. We had some oddly warm weather/ freezing rain, so the roads became especially hazardous. We had to work restricted proselyting hours this week. Couldn't leave till like 1 pm or so and then had to be back in the apartment by 5 or 6. It makes it turn into a very long week.
It's strange how every time I arrive back to Monday the entire week prior seems like a blur. It just turned out to be a really strange week haha. OH like on Sunday church was canceled because of the ice... and only in our stake, not Anchorage North or Anchorage. When I heard I was like "What?!? This is ALASKA!!!" My next thought was "I haven't missed church in like two years and I'm not about to start today." I called President and he gave us permission to go to church in Anchorage... so we went to the Dimond Samoan Ward. It was awesome to see so many old friends. Elder Tyler Williams is serving there right now too so it was cool to get to see him. I also got to see C. J., a man who was baptised shortly after I left. It was neat to get to see him. Tons of the members didn't recognize me because I'm not fat like I was.... funny thing is though - I didn't think I was that fat. :) I would like say Hi to someone and then they would be like Hi.... OH HI!!! ROSAMALULU!!!! I love that ward.
We also got to teach a primary class of like 12 kids ages 8-7 and a few random youngins. It was funny, and totally random. We talked about doing unto others. I sang the song "Love one Another" and the kids went silent. And I used that one "My hands upon my head I place..." to get them to fold their arms and sit down. They were so excited to have the missionaries teaching their class. I love teaching little kids because if you can find the peace and serenity within your own heart and get them to quiet down a little... then when you bear testimony they feel it, and you feel it. It is wonderful. They are so willing to learn and be enthused. They didn't have sharing time so we had to teach them the whole hour. ONE hour without candy.... cause it was fast Sunday. We taught the lesson for as long as their little attention spans could handle it for and then we did a bunch of little magic tricks. TRICKS are awesome for children. Elder Williams even did the one where he licks his eye ball. The kids were so excited/grossed out! It was way funny. You literally have to have something planned for every minute of class though. One slip and you loose control of the group and have to reset, review and restart. It was a blast though. We didn't get to watch the fireside but I will probably download it or have a member do it for me and burn it to a cd for me.
I am genuinely impressed that Channing won a cleanliness award! That's awesome! Haha who of thunk.
Well you asked what I do as a district leader, why I didn't mention it, and if I am enjoying it. Well my main responsibility is to plan and conduct district meetings once weekly, oversee the coordination of Mormon.org/Family Search training, and to ensure the physical and spiritual well being of the missionaries in my district, BASICALLY - I get to have fun with the people in my district and we (hopefully) learn and grow together. I didn't mention it and never planned on mentioning it because I don't think it is a big deal. Too many missionaries focus so much on aspiring to positions of leadership and my feeling has always been "Be the best you can be, and when called, Serve!" I also didn't want my brothers to know and desire to serve or feel disappointed or inadequate if they never served in leadership. Focus on being a missionary. Being a true disciple of Christ. It is a wonderful opportunity, and I hope that I may magnify my calling according to the will of the Lord. I really enjoy being a district leader mostly because of the way my heart grows and how it reminds me that I am an example and need to constantly strive to serve with exact obedience. It is neat to get to know the missionaries too. Elder Lee and Elder Hansen - the ZL's are in my district along with Sister Chan and Sister Davis. They are an awesome bunch. It is different than when I served as a DL in the MTC though. We don't conduct interviews with missionaries like we did in the MTC and that was one of my favorite parts. It was always really humbling, and invoked charity for my fellow elders deep within my heart. The single most important thing is to put your whole heart into it. You cannot withhold your heart and expect others to open up, or feel your love for them. It is scary to put your heart out there, to let yourself show love and develop deep love, desire, and concern for others. Occasionally your heart will get broken its true, but Heavenly Father can and will always mend it. The best part - as your heart begins to include more people, it grows! It expands and brings joy and happiness. You can rejoice with those you love in their successes and you begin to feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude to Heavenly Father for the blessing of being able to serve those you love, and love those you serve.
I love my mission. I love the opportunities I have had and the way that my heart has grown, been crushed, and been healed.... and every time become stronger and stronger. Tender Mercies abound on the mission. If you believe that God can do anything and then conduct yourself, relying on Him to make up the distance... He will deliver and miracles will abound. "I the Lord am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say ye have no promise." I have found that the more willing I am to try anything the Lord will ask me to do, regardless if it seems possible or not, that He in turn blesses me with more opportunities to exercise faith and witness miracles. TRUE MIRACLES. Not some shabby coincidence; but the true, profound, spiritually witnessed miracles - same as occurred during the earthly ministry of the Savior, performed under the same power of the Priesthood faithfully wielded by those worthy bearers who press forward into the waters of the rivers of doubt, and then stand steadfast as the water divides, and then in the shadow of the growing fears and doubt, cross this Jordan on dry land. See Joshua!
I love being a missionary. I love the opportunities I have had to witness the power of the Lord and press forward into the midst of the rushing waters and watch as even in the midst of so much opposition the work of the Lord moves forward unhindered.
...just love Proverbs 3:5-6
Joshua 1:9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Faith, Hope, Charity and Love; with an Eye single to the glory of God.
I love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Elder Britton Winterrose
Well this week was an interesting one. We had high hopes for the work this week but it seems mother nature had other plans. We had some oddly warm weather/ freezing rain, so the roads became especially hazardous. We had to work restricted proselyting hours this week. Couldn't leave till like 1 pm or so and then had to be back in the apartment by 5 or 6. It makes it turn into a very long week.
It's strange how every time I arrive back to Monday the entire week prior seems like a blur. It just turned out to be a really strange week haha. OH like on Sunday church was canceled because of the ice... and only in our stake, not Anchorage North or Anchorage. When I heard I was like "What?!? This is ALASKA!!!" My next thought was "I haven't missed church in like two years and I'm not about to start today." I called President and he gave us permission to go to church in Anchorage... so we went to the Dimond Samoan Ward. It was awesome to see so many old friends. Elder Tyler Williams is serving there right now too so it was cool to get to see him. I also got to see C. J., a man who was baptised shortly after I left. It was neat to get to see him. Tons of the members didn't recognize me because I'm not fat like I was.... funny thing is though - I didn't think I was that fat. :) I would like say Hi to someone and then they would be like Hi.... OH HI!!! ROSAMALULU!!!! I love that ward.
We also got to teach a primary class of like 12 kids ages 8-7 and a few random youngins. It was funny, and totally random. We talked about doing unto others. I sang the song "Love one Another" and the kids went silent. And I used that one "My hands upon my head I place..." to get them to fold their arms and sit down. They were so excited to have the missionaries teaching their class. I love teaching little kids because if you can find the peace and serenity within your own heart and get them to quiet down a little... then when you bear testimony they feel it, and you feel it. It is wonderful. They are so willing to learn and be enthused. They didn't have sharing time so we had to teach them the whole hour. ONE hour without candy.... cause it was fast Sunday. We taught the lesson for as long as their little attention spans could handle it for and then we did a bunch of little magic tricks. TRICKS are awesome for children. Elder Williams even did the one where he licks his eye ball. The kids were so excited/grossed out! It was way funny. You literally have to have something planned for every minute of class though. One slip and you loose control of the group and have to reset, review and restart. It was a blast though. We didn't get to watch the fireside but I will probably download it or have a member do it for me and burn it to a cd for me.
I am genuinely impressed that Channing won a cleanliness award! That's awesome! Haha who of thunk.
Well you asked what I do as a district leader, why I didn't mention it, and if I am enjoying it. Well my main responsibility is to plan and conduct district meetings once weekly, oversee the coordination of Mormon.org/Family Search training, and to ensure the physical and spiritual well being of the missionaries in my district, BASICALLY - I get to have fun with the people in my district and we (hopefully) learn and grow together. I didn't mention it and never planned on mentioning it because I don't think it is a big deal. Too many missionaries focus so much on aspiring to positions of leadership and my feeling has always been "Be the best you can be, and when called, Serve!" I also didn't want my brothers to know and desire to serve or feel disappointed or inadequate if they never served in leadership. Focus on being a missionary. Being a true disciple of Christ. It is a wonderful opportunity, and I hope that I may magnify my calling according to the will of the Lord. I really enjoy being a district leader mostly because of the way my heart grows and how it reminds me that I am an example and need to constantly strive to serve with exact obedience. It is neat to get to know the missionaries too. Elder Lee and Elder Hansen - the ZL's are in my district along with Sister Chan and Sister Davis. They are an awesome bunch. It is different than when I served as a DL in the MTC though. We don't conduct interviews with missionaries like we did in the MTC and that was one of my favorite parts. It was always really humbling, and invoked charity for my fellow elders deep within my heart. The single most important thing is to put your whole heart into it. You cannot withhold your heart and expect others to open up, or feel your love for them. It is scary to put your heart out there, to let yourself show love and develop deep love, desire, and concern for others. Occasionally your heart will get broken its true, but Heavenly Father can and will always mend it. The best part - as your heart begins to include more people, it grows! It expands and brings joy and happiness. You can rejoice with those you love in their successes and you begin to feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude to Heavenly Father for the blessing of being able to serve those you love, and love those you serve.
I love my mission. I love the opportunities I have had and the way that my heart has grown, been crushed, and been healed.... and every time become stronger and stronger. Tender Mercies abound on the mission. If you believe that God can do anything and then conduct yourself, relying on Him to make up the distance... He will deliver and miracles will abound. "I the Lord am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say ye have no promise." I have found that the more willing I am to try anything the Lord will ask me to do, regardless if it seems possible or not, that He in turn blesses me with more opportunities to exercise faith and witness miracles. TRUE MIRACLES. Not some shabby coincidence; but the true, profound, spiritually witnessed miracles - same as occurred during the earthly ministry of the Savior, performed under the same power of the Priesthood faithfully wielded by those worthy bearers who press forward into the waters of the rivers of doubt, and then stand steadfast as the water divides, and then in the shadow of the growing fears and doubt, cross this Jordan on dry land. See Joshua!
I love being a missionary. I love the opportunities I have had to witness the power of the Lord and press forward into the midst of the rushing waters and watch as even in the midst of so much opposition the work of the Lord moves forward unhindered.
...just love Proverbs 3:5-6
Joshua 1:9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Faith, Hope, Charity and Love; with an Eye single to the glory of God.
I love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Elder Britton Winterrose
Monday, November 28, 2011
I loved the letter from last week! Sorry I never got to respond. It is so awesome that you and dad had some missionary experiences of your own, mom. I really liked the story. I hope you follow up on that invitation to read the Book of Mormon.
Last week was pretty cool. We taught a ton and T. got baptized! That was definately the peak of my week. We were teaching some other people too but two of them moved so that was sad....
T's baptism was really nice. We got to the church filled the font and realized that the hall and room floors were filthy. So we busted out the vaccums and with the help of some awesome members we cleaned the place up. T came and then the baptism was wonderful. I peformed the baptism and Elder Poole confirmed on Sunday! It was really neat. After the baptism T's friend Emily spoke and gave a great talk on the Holy Ghost and then Taylor bore her testimony and it was powerful! What a wonderful baptism!
Well this week was an odd week. Elder Poole was ill with the flu on Monday & Tuesday and then was slowly recovering on Wednesday - Saturday. He had insomnia too which really slowed his recovery. He is getting back to his normal self quickly though so that is good. I finished up my essays and completed my application for BYU Provo. So now I'm playing the waiting game. We were able to set up a few lessons with O and also with two new investigators. O's lesson went well. He finished reading the Book of Mormon in two weeks!! Stayed up all night to finish on Saturday though! Hahah. I would have also, but Elder Poole was good about reminding me that obedience is greater than the fat of lambs. Haha.
We had an enjoyable thanksgiving dinner with our ward mission leader's family, the R's - and their turkey was awesome!!!, so that was cool. We also started teaching two of our referrals. One of them decided that she didn't want to come to church at the last minute but the other one came and it was good. We are going to try to use the Book of Mormon to help her devlop and increase in desire to learn by sparking her curiosity and then feeding her soul with the truth. We will see how it goes.
I have really been focusing my studies on the Book of Mormon and on the fundamentals of Preach My Gospel. I love the lessons from both. I finished the war chapters of Alma the other day and it helped me remember how much I love that book. I should finish the book this week. I love, love, love reading it.
Reading it to support O really strengthened my testimony of the Book of Mormon and helped me gain and show greater charity towards him. I know it will work out for him.
I hope all is going well for you. I am really enjoying working in this area. I hope I can stay here for a while but I am willing to do whatever the Lord asks. It would always be neat to go back to the southeast or serve with Elder Kyle Williams... or both! Hahaha.
I love ya all!!!!
Elder Britton Winterrose
Last week was pretty cool. We taught a ton and T. got baptized! That was definately the peak of my week. We were teaching some other people too but two of them moved so that was sad....
T's baptism was really nice. We got to the church filled the font and realized that the hall and room floors were filthy. So we busted out the vaccums and with the help of some awesome members we cleaned the place up. T came and then the baptism was wonderful. I peformed the baptism and Elder Poole confirmed on Sunday! It was really neat. After the baptism T's friend Emily spoke and gave a great talk on the Holy Ghost and then Taylor bore her testimony and it was powerful! What a wonderful baptism!
Well this week was an odd week. Elder Poole was ill with the flu on Monday & Tuesday and then was slowly recovering on Wednesday - Saturday. He had insomnia too which really slowed his recovery. He is getting back to his normal self quickly though so that is good. I finished up my essays and completed my application for BYU Provo. So now I'm playing the waiting game. We were able to set up a few lessons with O and also with two new investigators. O's lesson went well. He finished reading the Book of Mormon in two weeks!! Stayed up all night to finish on Saturday though! Hahah. I would have also, but Elder Poole was good about reminding me that obedience is greater than the fat of lambs. Haha.
We had an enjoyable thanksgiving dinner with our ward mission leader's family, the R's - and their turkey was awesome!!!, so that was cool. We also started teaching two of our referrals. One of them decided that she didn't want to come to church at the last minute but the other one came and it was good. We are going to try to use the Book of Mormon to help her devlop and increase in desire to learn by sparking her curiosity and then feeding her soul with the truth. We will see how it goes.
I have really been focusing my studies on the Book of Mormon and on the fundamentals of Preach My Gospel. I love the lessons from both. I finished the war chapters of Alma the other day and it helped me remember how much I love that book. I should finish the book this week. I love, love, love reading it.
Reading it to support O really strengthened my testimony of the Book of Mormon and helped me gain and show greater charity towards him. I know it will work out for him.
I hope all is going well for you. I am really enjoying working in this area. I hope I can stay here for a while but I am willing to do whatever the Lord asks. It would always be neat to go back to the southeast or serve with Elder Kyle Williams... or both! Hahaha.
I love ya all!!!!
Elder Britton Winterrose
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
So, how would I respond to Rev. 22:18-19? There is a verse that is nearly identical to that in the old testament. But most of the time I simply explain that the bible was 1. Not compiled in chronological order, ie. the book of revelations was written before other books were even finished. 2. I explain that John was simply stating that no one has the authority to add to or take away from THIS BOOK, meaning the Book of Revelations. 3. I explain that a bible is a compilation of books each with their own separate chapters and view points but with a common theme. 4. I explain that their church has added and taken away much more than the restored gospel.
That's what I could do. Or!!!
I just bear witness that I know that the Book of Mormon is the Word of God and that it has the power to bless their life. Then you read the end of 2nd Nephi!!!! Last chapter, and explain that it is their choice whether they ask God if it is true or not, but it is not up for them to decide, God will tell them. Otherwise, He is not there, and then in that case their first arguement is not valid.
Simply stated, all one has to do is determine whether or not Joseph Smith was a prophet. And all anyone has to do is read the Book of Mormon to learn that it is not adding or subtracting anything to the Bible. It's not even in the same book!!
Well Elder Poole is sick so we will have to email later this week. I love you guys. Just wanted to let you know everything is going good and we had a baptism this Saturday.
Taylor!!!! Nov 19, 2011!!
I'll send pics with the later email.
Love,
Elder Britton Winterrose
Monday, November 14, 2011
Hey Family! How's it going!
Well this week was a great week. We were able to begin teaching many of the people who attended the fireside with Elder Holland. It was pretty sweet. We were crazy busy this week.
Sunday was a good fast and testimony meeting. A bunch of the members told us how happy they are that we are staying another transfer. There were a ton of Returning Members who came as well so that was good. I really love this ward and I love getting to be around people my age. It really eases a ton of stress. President Beesley was there on Sunday too! That was cool. I bore my testimony and it was funny because I got up and sat on the stand because someone else was getting up to speak and then after they finished the bishop got up and started to close the meeting. I was just going to sit and wait out the rest of the meeting sitting up on the stand haha. While he is standing up the 1st Counselor looks back, sees me, and reaches up and tugs on the bishops jacket. Well the bishop being as awesome as he is, let me get up and bear my testimony very quickly. I am grateful for the inspired leadership of the church and I am grateful that our meetings are run by the spirit and not by dogmatic policy. I will always remember it as a lesson in leadership.
I'm sorry for the short message! I love your mormon.org profile mom! It's sweet. I hope life is going well. I will probably send a letter home later on this week. Life is hard, but my faith is strong. I finished up part of my BYU app, and now I just have the final two essays. I should be able to finish them this week.
Well I love you all! Dad, you should make a mormon.org profile too!
Love,
Elder Britton Winterrose!
Well this week was a great week. We were able to begin teaching many of the people who attended the fireside with Elder Holland. It was pretty sweet. We were crazy busy this week.
Sunday was a good fast and testimony meeting. A bunch of the members told us how happy they are that we are staying another transfer. There were a ton of Returning Members who came as well so that was good. I really love this ward and I love getting to be around people my age. It really eases a ton of stress. President Beesley was there on Sunday too! That was cool. I bore my testimony and it was funny because I got up and sat on the stand because someone else was getting up to speak and then after they finished the bishop got up and started to close the meeting. I was just going to sit and wait out the rest of the meeting sitting up on the stand haha. While he is standing up the 1st Counselor looks back, sees me, and reaches up and tugs on the bishops jacket. Well the bishop being as awesome as he is, let me get up and bear my testimony very quickly. I am grateful for the inspired leadership of the church and I am grateful that our meetings are run by the spirit and not by dogmatic policy. I will always remember it as a lesson in leadership.
I'm sorry for the short message! I love your mormon.org profile mom! It's sweet. I hope life is going well. I will probably send a letter home later on this week. Life is hard, but my faith is strong. I finished up part of my BYU app, and now I just have the final two essays. I should be able to finish them this week.
Well I love you all! Dad, you should make a mormon.org profile too!
Love,
Elder Britton Winterrose!
Monday, November 7, 2011
Well hello family!
I'm glad I get to write you guys today! This week/weekend has been incredible. I guess I will start from the beginning. I received Chan's letter for Elder Holland and then I finished mine and prepared them so I could give them to him. I made copies of them so I will be sending those home so you guys can check them out if you want. We were going crazy this week trying to make sure that we had everyone that we have been working with at the fireside on Saturday night so most of our time was spent with that and teaching. We taught our new investigator twice this week, and when we taught the Restoration on Tuesday it was amazing! Truly phenomenal. The spirit was so incredibly strong during the part describing Joseph Smith's first vision. I held up a picture of it, looked her in the eye and then began to recite the vision in his words. It quickly changed though... the spirit engaged and all of a sudden it was as if the words were being spoken by someone else and I was just there observing it all take place. I bore my testimony and then Elder Poole, her friends shared theirs as well. The spirit was incredibly strong for the remainder of the lesson as well. We taught her again on Friday and taught the plan of salvation. The Spirit bore witness of Heavenly Fathers love and mercy through His Son as we taught about Jesus Christ. The Spirit was really strong at the end as well when we discussed the mercy with which all mankind shall be judged and bore testimony that everyone will have the opportunity to accept or reject Christ as their redeemer.
Then Saturday was stressful, stressful but good. We were trying to save seats so we could make sure that our investigators would have good seats, because we knew that like half the active membership of Anchorage would find some excuse to come to the missionary fireside, even without an investigator.
So we made some reserved seats and reserved a row for the 14 people that we had coming... then someone said we couldn't save seats and removed the signs while we were gone so we had to scramble to get some members to save seats... that was stressful.
Then we had a sweet little meeting with the missionaries and Elder Jeffrey R Holland, Elder Paul D. M. Christensen, Elder Tad R Callister, and Bishop H David Burton. CRAZY. It was cool. Each of them got up and spent 5-10 minutes sharing their testimony and then Elder Holland spoke last. He talked about Preach My Gospel, how it was born the day that President Gordon B. Hinckley decided that he couldn't stand to meet another less active return missionary. Preach My Gospel was written to convert the Missionary, and through that converted individual - convert the investigator. I had long since suspected that was the purpose but it is now clear to see that the missionaries who never made Preach My Gospel part of themselves, who never made the gospel part of themselves, are the ones who fall away. The ones who harden their heart and receive the lesser portion until the knowledge of the mysteries of God are taken from them. There is just too much to share and I don't have time to write it all. I will probably dedicate the remainder of my pday to recording the proceedings in my journal. After he finished speaking we were able to shake all their hands all at once. I shook Elder Holland's hand and then gave him the letter saying, "This is a thank you note from me and my brother. He was in the MTC when you spoke in August." He said "Thank you Elder, I will read it tonight." Pretty stinkin cool!
So we then rushed to find our peeps and get some seats, and thankfully we have a whole ward of RM's who just happen to be some of the most awesome fellow shippers and they had got everyone seated so I went and moved a chair up to the end of the row and joined them. I knew that if I did everything I could that Heavenly Father would make it work out and I really had done everything I could and it did!!!!! Whoot!!!
The fireside was awesome. Elder Christensen bore testimony of the atonement that was really good. Bishop Burton spoke of the need to know the words of the living prophets and shared an awesome story about when he was a boy. His father was a bishop and would take them with him when he went to visit people so he could spend time with his children. Well one evening Bishop Burton's father called for him and Bishop Burton didn't want to leave the football game he was playing in but he went along with his father reluctantly. He said that they went to visit a member who was sick and that he, Bishop Burton, was busy just longing to be back in that football game. He went outside on the patio and sat on the steps and a car rolled up. Out hopped President David O. McKay, and the prophet went inside to help Bishop Burton's father give a blessing. Bishop Burton remained on the steps and on his way out President McKay stopped and sat down next to Bishop Burton. He spoke to him and told him a story of how when he, David O. McKay was young that he desperately wanted to go to general conference but every year when the time to go would roll around they would have farm duties to attend to. One year though when he was 12 or 13 President McKay was able to attend. They traveled to Salt Lake and went in the tabernacle before conference began. His father went up to meet the Prophet John Taylor and President Taylor invited them to sit on the front row of the tabernacle. President Taylor then sat down next to young David O McKay and rolled up his sleeves and then... this is the part that gets me... showed him the scars and marks that he sustained while with the Prophet Joseph in Carthage. Crazy. Way cool.
Elder Callister spoke on the Fruits of the spirit and knowing the truth through the fruits of the spirit and through prayer. I love that man's voice. He just has an awesome speaking voice.
Elder Holland spoke on the event chronicled in Acts Chapter 3 where there are these two young Galileans, who came from a background of being poor fishermen, who had known Christ and been members at best for three years, heal a man crippled from birth and then teach the multitude who gathers to see this man who had been lame from birth, jump and skip, and run and hop and cheer! They then rebuke the people for standing in wonder and wondering how it was all possible... these the same people who had shouted 'crucify him' at Pilot's palace. They assert that these things can only be done through Christ. And many are baptized. He also spoke of how people cannot fight the evidence of the Church. They can try, but they can never destroy the church.
It was awesome but I have nowhere near enough time to share all the things I learned and all the things they shared.
So that was Saturday. We had Stake Conference on Saturday and that was awesome. Elder Christensen shared a story about how he was doing philanthropic work in Africa establishing orphanages and he was able to share the gospel with a congregation of monks in this orphanage and teach them how to pray and how to study the scriptures. Crazy awesome.
Then Elder Holland spoke again. It was wonderful. He left a blessing at the end of his talk and the coolest part was that one of our investigators was sitting next to me as he began to talk about the blessing, and I noticed her close her eyes and start praying, I thought to myself, AWESOME SHE PRAYS ON HER OWN!!!! WHOOT!!, and didn't think anything else of it till later on. Then as Elder Holland was speaking he paused, listened and then said something along the lines of "someone in this room is desiring for these blessings on behalf of their loved ones who are not here.... I extend this blessing according to the power of my Apostolic ministry to all those that you are thinking of. To all of those that you cry over. It wasn't until later that I realized that he received that pure revelation, which I testify that it was - the Holy Ghost bearing witness of it to all who were present, at the moment she finished her prayer. Heavenly Father sometimes does answer prayers immediately but the fullness of that blessing may take months or even years to come to pass... nevertheless it was a pretty flippin' sweet occasion. Well later on that night we heard from our investigator that her mom called her up and asked how the church thing was going, and told her she would need to help them (her mom and her sisters) start going too when she comes home on break. TOO COOL!!!! TOO STINKIN COOL!!!
So we had a lesson with this same investigator later that day and it went well. Elder Poole and I are teaching with a spirit that hasn't been this strong for a long time... its really quite amazing. Its made for a lot of thin veil moments of spiritual growth and light has been cast on many of my questions pertaining to the mysteries of God.
I really am just overwhelmed with gratitude towards my Heavenly Father. The work is going well and I get to stay with Elder Poole one more transfer. We got to watch Elder Packer's fireside last night as well. Two apostles in one day. Crazy. Heavenly Father is wonderful.
Too much to write. Too much to write.
Brandon Flowers of The Killers has a mormon.org profile see it here: http://mormon.org/me/5233/
I have one too!! http://mormon.org/me/698X/
Well I love you all! I hope all is well!! The snow is deep here and the wind is cold! Winter is definitely here.
Love ya!
Elder Britton Winterrose!!!
I'm glad I get to write you guys today! This week/weekend has been incredible. I guess I will start from the beginning. I received Chan's letter for Elder Holland and then I finished mine and prepared them so I could give them to him. I made copies of them so I will be sending those home so you guys can check them out if you want. We were going crazy this week trying to make sure that we had everyone that we have been working with at the fireside on Saturday night so most of our time was spent with that and teaching. We taught our new investigator twice this week, and when we taught the Restoration on Tuesday it was amazing! Truly phenomenal. The spirit was so incredibly strong during the part describing Joseph Smith's first vision. I held up a picture of it, looked her in the eye and then began to recite the vision in his words. It quickly changed though... the spirit engaged and all of a sudden it was as if the words were being spoken by someone else and I was just there observing it all take place. I bore my testimony and then Elder Poole, her friends shared theirs as well. The spirit was incredibly strong for the remainder of the lesson as well. We taught her again on Friday and taught the plan of salvation. The Spirit bore witness of Heavenly Fathers love and mercy through His Son as we taught about Jesus Christ. The Spirit was really strong at the end as well when we discussed the mercy with which all mankind shall be judged and bore testimony that everyone will have the opportunity to accept or reject Christ as their redeemer.
Then Saturday was stressful, stressful but good. We were trying to save seats so we could make sure that our investigators would have good seats, because we knew that like half the active membership of Anchorage would find some excuse to come to the missionary fireside, even without an investigator.
So we made some reserved seats and reserved a row for the 14 people that we had coming... then someone said we couldn't save seats and removed the signs while we were gone so we had to scramble to get some members to save seats... that was stressful.
Then we had a sweet little meeting with the missionaries and Elder Jeffrey R Holland, Elder Paul D. M. Christensen, Elder Tad R Callister, and Bishop H David Burton. CRAZY. It was cool. Each of them got up and spent 5-10 minutes sharing their testimony and then Elder Holland spoke last. He talked about Preach My Gospel, how it was born the day that President Gordon B. Hinckley decided that he couldn't stand to meet another less active return missionary. Preach My Gospel was written to convert the Missionary, and through that converted individual - convert the investigator. I had long since suspected that was the purpose but it is now clear to see that the missionaries who never made Preach My Gospel part of themselves, who never made the gospel part of themselves, are the ones who fall away. The ones who harden their heart and receive the lesser portion until the knowledge of the mysteries of God are taken from them. There is just too much to share and I don't have time to write it all. I will probably dedicate the remainder of my pday to recording the proceedings in my journal. After he finished speaking we were able to shake all their hands all at once. I shook Elder Holland's hand and then gave him the letter saying, "This is a thank you note from me and my brother. He was in the MTC when you spoke in August." He said "Thank you Elder, I will read it tonight." Pretty stinkin cool!
So we then rushed to find our peeps and get some seats, and thankfully we have a whole ward of RM's who just happen to be some of the most awesome fellow shippers and they had got everyone seated so I went and moved a chair up to the end of the row and joined them. I knew that if I did everything I could that Heavenly Father would make it work out and I really had done everything I could and it did!!!!! Whoot!!!
The fireside was awesome. Elder Christensen bore testimony of the atonement that was really good. Bishop Burton spoke of the need to know the words of the living prophets and shared an awesome story about when he was a boy. His father was a bishop and would take them with him when he went to visit people so he could spend time with his children. Well one evening Bishop Burton's father called for him and Bishop Burton didn't want to leave the football game he was playing in but he went along with his father reluctantly. He said that they went to visit a member who was sick and that he, Bishop Burton, was busy just longing to be back in that football game. He went outside on the patio and sat on the steps and a car rolled up. Out hopped President David O. McKay, and the prophet went inside to help Bishop Burton's father give a blessing. Bishop Burton remained on the steps and on his way out President McKay stopped and sat down next to Bishop Burton. He spoke to him and told him a story of how when he, David O. McKay was young that he desperately wanted to go to general conference but every year when the time to go would roll around they would have farm duties to attend to. One year though when he was 12 or 13 President McKay was able to attend. They traveled to Salt Lake and went in the tabernacle before conference began. His father went up to meet the Prophet John Taylor and President Taylor invited them to sit on the front row of the tabernacle. President Taylor then sat down next to young David O McKay and rolled up his sleeves and then... this is the part that gets me... showed him the scars and marks that he sustained while with the Prophet Joseph in Carthage. Crazy. Way cool.
Elder Callister spoke on the Fruits of the spirit and knowing the truth through the fruits of the spirit and through prayer. I love that man's voice. He just has an awesome speaking voice.
Elder Holland spoke on the event chronicled in Acts Chapter 3 where there are these two young Galileans, who came from a background of being poor fishermen, who had known Christ and been members at best for three years, heal a man crippled from birth and then teach the multitude who gathers to see this man who had been lame from birth, jump and skip, and run and hop and cheer! They then rebuke the people for standing in wonder and wondering how it was all possible... these the same people who had shouted 'crucify him' at Pilot's palace. They assert that these things can only be done through Christ. And many are baptized. He also spoke of how people cannot fight the evidence of the Church. They can try, but they can never destroy the church.
It was awesome but I have nowhere near enough time to share all the things I learned and all the things they shared.
So that was Saturday. We had Stake Conference on Saturday and that was awesome. Elder Christensen shared a story about how he was doing philanthropic work in Africa establishing orphanages and he was able to share the gospel with a congregation of monks in this orphanage and teach them how to pray and how to study the scriptures. Crazy awesome.
Then Elder Holland spoke again. It was wonderful. He left a blessing at the end of his talk and the coolest part was that one of our investigators was sitting next to me as he began to talk about the blessing, and I noticed her close her eyes and start praying, I thought to myself, AWESOME SHE PRAYS ON HER OWN!!!! WHOOT!!, and didn't think anything else of it till later on. Then as Elder Holland was speaking he paused, listened and then said something along the lines of "someone in this room is desiring for these blessings on behalf of their loved ones who are not here.... I extend this blessing according to the power of my Apostolic ministry to all those that you are thinking of. To all of those that you cry over. It wasn't until later that I realized that he received that pure revelation, which I testify that it was - the Holy Ghost bearing witness of it to all who were present, at the moment she finished her prayer. Heavenly Father sometimes does answer prayers immediately but the fullness of that blessing may take months or even years to come to pass... nevertheless it was a pretty flippin' sweet occasion. Well later on that night we heard from our investigator that her mom called her up and asked how the church thing was going, and told her she would need to help them (her mom and her sisters) start going too when she comes home on break. TOO COOL!!!! TOO STINKIN COOL!!!
So we had a lesson with this same investigator later that day and it went well. Elder Poole and I are teaching with a spirit that hasn't been this strong for a long time... its really quite amazing. Its made for a lot of thin veil moments of spiritual growth and light has been cast on many of my questions pertaining to the mysteries of God.
I really am just overwhelmed with gratitude towards my Heavenly Father. The work is going well and I get to stay with Elder Poole one more transfer. We got to watch Elder Packer's fireside last night as well. Two apostles in one day. Crazy. Heavenly Father is wonderful.
Too much to write. Too much to write.
Brandon Flowers of The Killers has a mormon.org profile see it here: http://mormon.org/me/5233/
I have one too!! http://mormon.org/me/698X/
Well I love you all! I hope all is well!! The snow is deep here and the wind is cold! Winter is definitely here.
Love ya!
Elder Britton Winterrose!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
