One Year Older and Wiser Too

 Hello There, 

So many of you know this, but I had a birthday last week, and it was awesome. Thank you all for your heart felt words, they touched my soul and made me remember all the good times that I had before my mission. The gifts were also amazing, thank you. I think I have reach the point in my life where I care more about the cards and the words in them. Thank you all once again, and a special thanks to my loving Mother who always works hard to make sure that I have a special Birthday. She is always successful!  

This week was awesome, I probably say that about every week but it is even more true this week. So much happened that I'll probably leave out some of the good stuff. Not intentional that is just the way the cookie crumbles. 

So this week we were able to have our first FHE meeting (Family Home Evening). It was awesome because of many reasons. We were able to have a couple Branch families there to get to know each other, and have a good time. We had a lesson and then we had a game. It was awesome because there were two boys there that were shy and not too talkative. (Which is the same thing as being shy, I just like restating things because that is how I can talk when I am saying the same things with different words) While they were there they were getting engaged answering questions and having fun. We then had the game where made a list of things we had in common with the other. I was picked by one of the boys to be his partner. We totally had the biggest list of what we had in common, but some people said we were "cheating" because of what we put on our list. We were creative that's all. We both had feet and held the same pen, and had a pen mark on our arms. It was a really good time. I got to see people open up and have more fun and be themselves. After the game we had treats, and they were still talking with each other and having more fun. The mom even said how surprised she was when they kept talking and how much they loved it. They talked about what a fun night they had when they drove home. Family is so fun and important. 

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELDER ROBERTSON" 

That is how I woke up on my birthday, with my companion singing to me as he brought me a plate of chocolate chip pancakes and egg, also we was playing the guitar. It was a memorable way to wake up on my mission. The breakfast was really good and I'm grateful for what my companion did for me. It was a great day, and it was made even more special from all of you back home and from my Zone that wished me a happy birthday. We went to youth night where the young men had surprised the young women with a dinner at the church. The young men were all there as waiters and we all got to have amazing food and bond with each other. It was a great way to end a birthday. 

The next day we got Bible bashed, which ends up happening a lot more than I thought is would, but this time was different. We went to go have a lesson with our dear friend Matthew who is a recent convert to the church, and is super solid in his testimony. When we walked in his dad was there, and he is a preacher and knows the Bible. He has talked with members and missionaries before but this was my first time. He asked a lot of questions, and it was hard to answer simply because he wouldn't let us actually answer them. I felt discouraged because I don't know the Bible as well as I should, I knew the answers to his questions but I didn't know how to help him see that they were the right answers. So we ended up getting bashed for a hour and a half, then we had to get going to our dinner appointment. Before we had dinner we helped the family install installation underneath their shed. That was a good time for me to clear my head and do some old fashion service. We tried doing it one way by using liquid nails, which apparently is a thing. It was just some kind of paste, but it wasn't holding up the installation, so we were moving back and forth holding it up until it dried. That wasn't happening so after a while we ended up using a staple gun. I had a good time, and I was covered in dirt but that didn't bother me in fact I think it made it more fun because I was serving my Brothers and Sisters who have helped the missionaries so much.  

Within Three days I was able to receive the Spiritual recharge that I needed. We had Zone Conference, then we had two days of General Conference. I don't think that I have ever been this excited for General Conference before. I stayed awake the entire time which was a great start but it was even better because I came prepared to learn. Taking notes on everything was super helpful.

There are so much that I learned and felt empowered by. However there is not enough time to share all that I learn so I'll share an experience.

When I was the age of 12 I had the opportunity to attend General conference in person with my Father. My Father had taken my older brother two years before me. My brother told me the feeling that he got the moment the Prophet walked into the room. This is what I looked forward to as I went to Utah. When The prophet walked into the room I could feel a strong presence that warmed my soul. I knew in that moment that righteous man was called of God to be His Prophet. Fast fast forward through eight years. I was growing up and learned much. In that time my testimony had gained little doubts along the way. Doubts about myself and what I believed in. I fought and gained a stronger testimony, and I continue to fight the good fight. This General conference when President Nelson spoke even for just a few moments. I was several states away, and yet I felt the same presence. Stronger than I had felt in a long time. Testifying once again that this another man called of God to be His prophet. God loves us and gives us Prophets, I knew this but I had forgotten about my experience when I was twelve until today. I knew this to be true than why did I forget, why did I leave room for doubt in those eight years. I remembered through the spirit, and The Spirit will always bring things to our remembrance if we allow it. In order for this to happen we need to have the spirit in our lives. The more often the Spirit of God is present in our lives the more we will remember to strengthen our testimony to empower us to press forward but we have to make the first step. What is that first step? You know what it is; Read the scriptures, Pray to your Heavenly Father, Attend Church. These are the primary answers and when we do these things we will want to grow and follow His Commandments. Let God prevail in your life by strengthening your roots upon The Gospel of Jesus Christ. Live, Love, Learn in every moment through the Savior in every moment of this life, and I promise that you will have The Spirit of God bring to your mind the things you need to remember in the moment that you need them. 

I loved every talk and am grateful for the hard work that they put into their talks and in giving their lives to the Savior. Their words moved me and that is something that the Savior does and that is something that I want to do not just on my mission but through out my life. 

I also want to hear your moving words, so please tell me what you learned from General Conference, or about your week was, or a funny joke those are the best through email. 

I know that God has called a prophet in these latter days. He has done this so that we can have guidance, so that we can be loved. This is a hard world but we are not alone. We are never alone we just need to know where to find peace. I have found comfort in the words of those that are called of God. Heed their words and not the words of the World. The World ends but God never will. I know this to be true I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ amen. 

1) covered in dirt, and installing installation 

2) Getting my fist Haircut in the field by another Elder( also got it tried up later by q member 

3) Georgia 

4) our first FHE group 

5) A Happy birthday package from Family and friends 

6) They found out it was my Birthday the day before and they surprised me 

7-8) It's a lake fun times. 

P.s. Going to Chick-fil-A does not mean that I have move on from Loveland I never will, and you guys are always in my heart and it is just a way for me to remember. Love you all.