Another week in Georgia Valentines edition

 Hey everyone, 

I can't believe that this time is going by so quickly. It still feels like yesterday I was leaving the MTC, but that was two weeks ago. We have been running around a lot this past week. Something that I'm quickly figuring out is that dogs are so friendly here; mostly. Most of the time dogs will come out running just to say HI, and get some scratches. Most dogs in Ellijay just run around with no fence and no leash. I've seen more wild dogs than I have ever seen, and they are all so cute. The other day we were driving and we saw a whole family of dogs with little puppies. I love them all. We spend time driving because most people live far away from others which means I get to enjoy the beauty that Georgia has to offer. Also I completely forgot to talk about my trainer. His name is Elder Riddle and the craziest thing is that when we first met we found out that we are both from Colorado!!! And not just in the same state, we are only about 30 minutes away from the other. It's cool to see someone from home. There will be times where someone talks about how it's cold and that we should go inside, and my Companion and I look at each other and think, "it's cold outside?" It's not the warmest here but it's just a mild cold from what we are used to. Don't get me wrong, I still get cold too quickly. 

Finding people is probably the hardest thing right now because we either don't have anyone come to the door, or they say, " I've got Jesus." And then they don't want to talk to us. Sometimes they do and it's awesome because we can talk about our love of God and the many ways He has blessed us. Even though it's hard finding people it makes it so much better when we can meet someone. We were able to meet this sweet Sister in the nursing home. She is hard of hearing and whenever we aren't loud enough for her she would space out and not say anything. At first it made me sad, but then she asked us what we were holding and we said The Book of Mormon. Instantly she wanted to hold it and when she did the biggest smile came to her face. She would feel the book and flip through the pages. She wouldn't read any but she was so happy. Later she asked what was in my companions Book of Mormon. It was a card with the picture of Jesus Christ. I thought that she had a big smile when she held the Book of Mormon, but she had an even bigger smile when she looked upon her Savior's face. We didn't say much because we didn't need to, the Spirit was there touching her. I don't know how or what she remembered when she looked at The Book of Mormon or when she looked at her Savior. It showed me that when all things fade away Christ and His Gospel shall stand forever even in the memories of those that have been faithful. 

We also had a wonderful time teaching this family about the Temples and the blessings that come from them. I was able to share my experience and the knowledge I have about Temples, and as I shared I could feel my  testimony strengthen. One thing that I told them that the Temple is a experience like no other, and as much as we describe what it is like it doesn't do it justice. You have to go for yourself and experience it. The Temple is the best place on Earth and we all have to go. My parents have blessed me with the gift of seeing so many Temples when I was younger, and the more I look back on it the more special those memories become. Now that I am older I have been blessed by being able to go inside and do services in five different Temples, and soon I'll be at my sixth. There are so many ways that Temples and the Gospel have blessed my life, and now I have the opportunity to share that with other and help them experience the same thing that I have felt. I can help them feel the Savior's love. 

The main thing that I am learning is to speak up and share the Gospel. I often think we'll know what do I say, I speak truths but how do I let people know have these truths. As I try find my answer I found a card that certifies me to preach, and at the bottom it says, " We invite all people to heed his message." And after reading that I thought I'm here teaching Christ's message, not mine. So what's my message?. At first all I could think is well, its my testimony and my experiences, and it is but it's more than that. It's my message so it is connected to me who I am and how I am. It's my word and the way that I see the world. It is Christ teachings and His truth, which is The truth, but it's my message to the people of Georgia. It is my words, and the words of Jesus Christ. He came here to do so many things and one of them is to point people to His Heavenly Father. As a representative of Jesus Christ I have have come here for many reasons and one of them is to point people to Christ and to Heavenly Father. I'm here to help show the path that leads to Eternal Happiness. He is The Way and with My Message can help people come to The Way. 

I know that my Savior lives and can touch the lives of everyone who lives, everyone that has lived and everyone who will. He has given us so much today. From a modern day prophet to Temples around the world to a Book that continues to give guidance and comfort today. I know that Jesus Christ is the Savior and that He is the Redeemer of this world from all of our sins and mistakes. I know that when we come unto Him, He will bless us and I say these things in the name a Jesus Christ amen. 

P.S. they sell Holy Bibles at Walmart here and it's awesome, although it is a bit different seeing them at a grocery store. 

1. Yes there is a Bamboo in Georgia and its awesome.

2. This is my zone 

3. My companion and myself overlooking Georgia in Jasper 

4. I'm holding a chicken from a family that we are teaching 

5. Just an other great view 

6-8. The same view in Jasper 

9. My district and I enjoying our Valentine's Day, can you guess which one is me?