Crunch Time

This week things got a bit more ramped up. It felt similar to when I had to drive that stick shift and i had to rev the engine high enough to shift smooothly. Well this last week felt like the revving and i think the shift is here:)

Here is what happened:

So we had a world wide conference this week where they announced some changes in our schedule. It is a lot more of a change than you would think because it essentially gives us wayyyy more opportunity to use our own agency. In other words, the sharp missionaries will optimize their time and the less than sharp missionaries wont. The only things we do that are concrete are to work out in the morning, have breakfast, get ready, and then an hour of personal study. Other than that, anything in our schedule can go anywhere in the day. At first i thought it might make it seem less of a stress, but personally, I've been way more on the ball since the changes because if i were to to squander some time, that is more of a direct problem between Heavenly Father since i am the only person responsible for me. I mean that is how it has been, but before it was a little more rigid in structure. Now my plans rely solely on my comp and i if they are to happen.

Just like real life. So basically we get a better grasp on how we are to govern ourselves from here on out. I love it:)

Progress:

Jimmi and Vivi are in the hospital in Århus as we speak getting ready to meet their new twins:) They had to go all the way to Århus so that Vivi could receive special care since she has diabetes and that complicates things apparently. Århus has some of the best doctors in Denmark and the hospital is like three malls put together -its is massiiiive! I remember driving past that so many times when i lived there and thinking how you could just get lost in that place. But anyhow, exciting stuff! They sent us a message saying they were watching some Mormon messages and eating candy and just chillin so they are happy people. Plus, the ward has amoeba'ed them and they fit right in now. Member missionary work is the bees knees! I also had the opportunity bless the sacrament and it was Jimmi's first time so that was also neat to be a part of. If you compare our personal improvements to leveling up in pokemon, he gains like 20 level a day i swear. But joking aside, I've never ever seen someone change so quickly and it is a huge testimony to me that we all can tap the highest in us and become so much more than we think.:)

K* is just pluggin along. He is basically turning into a member already haha its great. He is still working on fighting his smoking addiction and stuff. A lot of times he doesn't quite think things through since his brain has been subject to trippy drugs, so i feel like life can turn into a weird video game feel for him sometimes. He told us that his friend transferred some money onto his card and then he went to pull it out at a gas station/casino and it rejected his card. The old guy behind the counter did realize it so he gave him the money anyways. K* didn't fully register that he had essentially robbed a place without trying to so when we met with him he told us and we were like... K* that actually is theft. He thought he was like Robin Hood because of how many people destroy their lives with gambling addictions and that particular casino chain is filthy rich apparently. I told them it probably is understandable to think that in a K* way (He is borderline broke) but that it still isn't right. So hopefully the whole misunderstanding turned to understanding and he will give it back. :)

We met with A'* in the church and had a stellar discussion. He is as sharp as sharp gets and asked some pretty heavy questions. So we took turns dishing mind bombs out for an hour and a half. I'll give it to him, i don't know if anyone has ever got me thinking so deep from so many different angles. He knows so much about psychology, so luckily i had Elder Baadsgaard there to speak that language on behalf of our companionship. But A* is a bro and I'm happy to have that guy as a friend.

Other things:

We knocked into a lady who was pretty open and she told us to come back on Wednesday at three but when we came back we found a note on the door that basically said that she discovered the *secret truth* about our church (also called anti-mormon material) and that we should never come back. So we left a note in her mailbox that if she ever was interested in actually finding out what we believe, that she could visit the official websites of the church. It is sad that people will believe what they read three tabs down a yahoo chat page or something like that instead of the missionaries with badges and everything. But hey, everything you read on the internet is true, right? ;) So people, before you believe Mormons are space lizards from Mars, feel free to consult me if you want. :) (yes, i have gotten the whole "space lizard stuff is a real theory" thing haha)

Spiritual thought:

I'd like to share something on the topic of being optimistic. It hit home yesterday morning during my personal study time :)

Stephen E. Snow, a general authority, says there are many stumbling blocks- as the Bible calls it- that we can turn into stepping stones. One of them is our attitudes, he says this:

When we say, “It’s impossible,” the Lord says, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God” (Luke 18:27).

When we say, “I’m too tired,” the Lord says, “I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28; see also verses 29–30).

When we say, “Nobody really loves me,” the Lord says, “I love you” (see John 13:34).

When we say, “I can’t do it,” the scriptures teach us, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13).

When we say, “It’s not worth it,” the Lord reminds us it will be worth it: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

When we say, “I’m not smart enough,” the scriptures remind us that God gives us wisdom (see 1 Corinthians 1:30).

When we say, “I can’t forgive myself,” we are reminded that He does forgive us (see 1 John 1:9).

When we say, “I don’t have enough faith,” He reminds us in scripture, “God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith” (Romans 12:3).

The gospel of Jesus Christ is the “good news.” It is for good reason we often refer to the plan of salvation as the plan of happiness. In spite of the challenges and trials of life, we must look forward with hope. Sochoose to be optimistic. Choose to look on the bright side. As you go about your day’s activities, expect the best."

(emphasis added on the word "choose")

I'll end with a fun anecdote:

A little boy was overheard talking to himself as he strode through his backyard, baseball cap in place and toting ball and bat. “I’m the greatest baseball player in the world,” he said proudly.

Then he tossed the ball in the air, swung, and missed. Undaunted, he picked up the ball, threw it into the air, and said to himself, “I’m the greatest player ever!”

He swung at the ball again, and again he missed. He paused a moment to examine the bat and ball carefully. Then once again he threw the ball into the air and said, “I’m the greatest baseball player who ever lived.”

He swung the bat hard and again missed the ball. “Wow!” he exclaimed. “What a pitcher!”

Let us all find the best in us. Have a great week!

Ældste j