New month, new hopes

Hello everyone!

Well, summer has ended officially, it seems. Visitors to Temple Square have been less than they have been in previous weeks, and they are now setting up lights for Christmas there (they have actually been doing this for about a month now, I don't know why I didn't talk about it sooner). The temperature has not yet gotten any cooler - it's still uncomfortable to wear a suit jacket outside... It seems that, for everyone else, vacation is nearing it's end, and it's time to get back to work.

Of course, for the missionaries, we are working just as hard as we always do. I have been trying to set a good example for Elder Stacey, showing him around the mission and getting him used to serving as an ordained servant of the Lord. I have been told I am doing well at that, though I feel some days are better than others - I am still somewhat new to the mission too. He is learning well, though, so I do not worry much about him.

The exercise program is progressing well too. Me and Elder Garfield have had a meeting with some people we have helping us earlier this week in the Ambassador Suite in the JSMB, a truly nice place on the top floor. I feel like everyone sees Elder Garfield as head coordinator of this whole thing though. But, that's alright. I can do without the extra praise. I do wish I knew how to better benefit the program. Morning Exercise has been going well, though. We are keeping things fresh with new activities and sports coming after each of the exercises. We are still having problems getting everyone excited about the whole thing, but I am not sure if we will ever be able to accomplish this in full - after all, it is exercise. We will work hard to accomplish this goal, however, as that is part of the job.

I also did have another opportunity this week to present the Sacrament at an assisted living home. This is the same routine I have done some Sundays in the mission already, though this time was different. This was Elder Stacey's first time doing this, though he had done similar service before, back in his home ward. He was truly touched by this experience, and it kind of reminded me and my first time doing this myself. As I have said, I am still pretty new to the mission. Of course, this was a good experience for me too. I enjoy serving the seniors like that, and I hope to come back again and again.

This whole training thing sort of brings to my mind the whole concept of leadership within the mission. This is mostly because of my own mission trainer, the former Elder McElwain. He had previously served as a District Leader, and then even a Zone Leader for a while (though this mission no longer has any Young Elder Zone Leaders - for now at least). However, it was not until near the end of his mission until he was assigned to train one of the new Young Elders - that was me. I guess that one is not necessarily better than the other, nor is one held in higher esteem than the other. I guess that they just have different responsibilities, and that the Lord knows which assignment is best for which missionary. My only hope on the matter is that I will be able to train Elder Stacey into an effective missionary who can follow the rules, and serve to the best of his abilities.

The mission has announced a couple changes in the rules. Board and card games are no longer allowed - at least on the Sabbath anyways. All Young Elders are now allowed to use language learning software in their free time on P-Day - both me and my companion are quite excited about this, he is doing it right this moment as I write this! There are a couple other minor changes to procedure, of course. This mission has, for a while, been a mission of change. This mission was much different at the beginning of the year, but things are becoming more and more like a regular mission. Elder Garfield has even told me that he thinks we will begin doing some proselyting work. If this does happen, I do hope that I am ready. Either way, I do look forward to what this mission does in the future.

So, that is my week all summed up for you. Let me know if you have any questions about anything, alright? I love you all. Have a good week!



From,

Elder Bryce Petersen



Challenge: I have realized recently that General Conference is coming up soon. I am excited to hear a prophet's voice again, especially since I will be doing so live! It is great that we have prophets today to direct and to guide us. I would advise us all to give more heed to their counsel, for it will help us out in this day and age. So, my challenge is to read and study the messages shared by modern prophets. Catch up on recent conference talks, and study them together as a family. Learn how they can help you in your life, and make a point of applying their teachings. Of course, this can never fully replace scripture study, and the scriptures should also be studied in depth. But, the words of our living prophets are just as important to know. I testify that if you pay more heed to the words of today's prophets, then your lives will be blessed that much more, and you will be able to more fully enjoy the benefits of being a member of the restored church!