General - I ran out of General names a long time ago

Hey everyone!

Before I begin, I should probably let those of you who were previously serving in this mission know what the new assignments of last transfer are. You who fall in this category know these people, and may wish to know of the new responsibilities they have been trusted with. They are as follows:
The new trainers are Elder Hartner,  Elder Roy,  Elder Clark, Elder Hall, Elder Desotel, Elder Hunsaker,  Elder Walker (who had just finished training himself), and Elder Keeley. Me and Elder K. Young have been released from being exercise coordinators (the latter has finished his mission). The new coordinators are Elders Hunsaker and Coleman. We have one new district leader, Elder Gale.

Now, this week has admittedly not been quite the most eventful. However, there are a couple events which I feel are worth writing down in this E-mail. They generally have to do with happenings at zone. Now, for the first time in a while, we have finished all the web cases which we have been assigned to do. Of course, new ones come in all the time, but the queue has been worked on to a point where we can finish all that comes in within an hour. This is a huge achievement for the zone, as for a while, there has been a ton of work to be done here, which hasn't been getting done quite as well. The only problem with this that I can see is that there is now less work to be done.

Fortunately, our leadership knows about this issue. Our administrative supervisor, Todd, has been advocating for us with the other staff members to get us more to do. He says that there is a lot he is trying to get lined up for us, which I am hopeful about. Then again, this is the message which I have been getting for a while. I do remain hopeful, especially since he says that he will tell us a bit more about some of these changes this next Tuesday. He hasn't told us anything regarding this yet - just that we will learn Tuesday. However, what he has done is given us a new queue to learn how to work, which pretty much handles cases related to FamilySearch's Family Tree. He has given us a link to a bunch of training videos, which we are to use to learn about doing the work. When we build up enough confidence with this work, we are to begin working the cases here. This makes me excited and happy - the zone could use more work to do, and more projects to work on.

Earlier this Monday, we have had a mission conference for the entire mission, young elders and senior missionaries alike. This is something which had been planned for a while, and I feel that it went great. This is similar to the last time we had a similar meeting in the Assembly Hall on Temple Square - we had a dinner in the lobby of the Conference Center (the same one which General Conference is broadcast from twice a year), after which we moved to the Assembly Hall. There, a message was shared by President Fenn. Last time, it was about the Book of Mormon. This time, it was about Joseph Smith's First Vision. The message shared was truly inspirational, and I was able to look at this event with new eyes as a result. I should also note that the choir did perform for this conference.

Some of you have asked about my performance in the Elijah choir, which I have not talked so much about as of lately. For this, I apologize - I have not been the best with attendance of either performances or rehearsals, though I have been better with this as of late. As I mentioned earlier, we did perform at mission conference - it was the same number as last time too, a rendition of "Joseph Smith's First Prayer" to the tune of "Come Thou Fount". I have heard before someone tell me that he liked the words, but not quite as much the tune, of the first one, and vice versa. In a sense, I agree, so the unique arrangement was outstanding - I can see why President Fenn requested it. Aside from this performance, we have also performed at the devotional on Monday morning, though I forget which song it was that we sang. We are currently working towards an Easter concert though, so there's that to look forward to. I will disclose more information as it becomes available, and if it is requested.

Aside from this, the happenings of the week are not much. But, I am not complaining - the week, in general, has been great. Thanks a ton for keeping in touch with me, I appreciate the support. Have a great week, everyone!



From,

Elder Bryce Petersen



Challenge: Wise was the man who said the following: "Watch your thoughts - they become words. Watch your words - they become actions. Watch your actions - they become habits. Watch your habits - they become character. Watch your character - it becomes your destiny." I forget who originally said those profound words, but the concept is striking - such small things as thoughts will eventually determine what you do, and what you become. This was a big theme of the Savior's Sermon on the Mount. You may recall that he gave a higher law - for example, that alongside the commandment to simply not kill, one is also not even to get angry; also, one is to not abstain simply from adultery, but also from impure thoughts. Notice how such higher commandments are admonitions to control ones thoughts, as when this is done, not killing and no committing adultery become second nature. Remember, the great doors of history turn on small hinges. If you do not control your thoughts, outside influences will. When outside influences control your thoughts, they will control your words, then your actions, and so on. As a result, you will find yourself going down a road you do not want to go. However, one should always remember that, as Nelson Mandela said, "I am the captain of my soul". You are in charge of your destiny. Why is that? Because, if you choose to do so, you control your thoughts, and all those other things build off of that. But you must first discipline your thoughts. This is my challenge to you: take control of your thoughts. When something that should not be there enters in, do what it takes to get it out. I remember a song from attending Primary in my early days, "hum your favorite hymn". Such a memory - and even action if necessary - will easily dispel dark thoughts. Remember: when you can control your thoughts, you can control your destiny.