How Bad do you Want it?

Hey fam and friends,

I've been doing a lot of studying and pondering lately, especially yesterday in Sac meeting. The more I'm here, the more I see that the missionaries in the zone don't always go on a mission to serve their purpose to invite others to come unto Christ through the Gospel. Who knows what motivates them, but at the end of the day, I think it is and should be different for everyone. Regardless of what drives you, both in this divine work and in life, one key element to success is dedication. I need to be more dedicated, and see and feel that the rest of the zone does as well.

One of the best examples of dedication that I know is my dog Matt Lawrence. Going in to his senior basketball season, he decided that no one would get in his way of becoming the best player he could be. His vision was incredibly high and he dedicated himself to achieve his goals. I don't fully understand how, but this got him thru a summer of grueling workouts, and hours in the gym. He really surprised the whole town of Wellesley, as he came out flying and was one of the best players in the Bay State. What I admired most about his season was his pure grit, and his disappointment when the team fell short in the playoffs. I've never seen a brother so devastated. He was completely consecrated to the cause, and naturally it hurt when he fell short.

Alright, now I can't express myself as well as I was thinking, and given that I've only got 7 minutes left, here's the takeaway.

Preaching the Gospel is the most important cause in the universe. Moses 1:39 - His work and glory is the eternal life of His children. But what about our work and glory? DyC 11:20 - ""

GOSH DARN IT I don't have time. I feel it in my bones that to really achieve what He expects of me in this work requires that I give EVERYTHING I have - heart, might, mind, and strength. 100% exact obedience to his commandments and standards. Nobody is perfect, and He doesn't expect perfect servants, but he expects a complete effort. DyC 123:17

I'm working on my patience, but it's really starting to get on my nerves just how many people let selfish things weigh them down in this work. We think about OURSELVES way too much. This is called trunkiness in the mission - slacking off because you're close to going home and doing worldly things. DEJÁ AMIGO. Dejá de pensar en vos!!

Hahah forgive my lack of coherency - let's just all try to lose ourselves a but more in our cause. If we do, not only will others be blessed, but we will as well. It's a LIFELONG battle, but it can be fought and won. Lucas 9:23-24. John 3:30

Be great, DON'T SETTLE - Many are called but few are chosen - 3 Nefi 27:33

Elder Blake out

Keep Pressing On

Fam and friends,

Had a pretty solid, standard week. We had zone meetings on Tuesday, did service on Wed, splits with another area Thurs and Friday. Our pool of investigators is somewhat stagnant, but expanding and moving along.

ahahhaha I'm in the middle of reading your letters as I write this and I can't help but acknowledge that the Pats won the Superbowl. I was trying to get refocused for the week to come but I guess that'll have to wait a bit... As Chris Sarni always says, "Goooo Pattttssssss." Not gonna lie, I kinda fist pumped here in the church where we're writing.

Back to the letter - Mom, don't worry about the music - my comps have hooked me up good and I'm all set for the last stretch. A lot of MoTab, piano hymns, and modern versions of our favorite hymns. While we're at it, I'd like to request that if you're gonna send a package (and this goes for EVERYONE), please ask me first. It's really expensive to pick them up here... I'm good with matieral goods for now. Thank you all though.

Mom, to answer your Q from a few weeks back - it's not looking like I'll be having the opportunity to train again. You never know and I'd totally do it if the Lord called me to, but with 4 transfers left it's just not looking too likely. There are a lot of Zone Leaders heading home in 3 weeks and that will leave me one of the more experienced leaders in the mission (funny because I've hardly had much experience).

This week, I've been able to strengthen my relationship with Elder Edwards a ton. We had a rough day Tuesday but we talked it out at night and that made all the difference. Like Elder Zwick said last Apr - "What do you think?" Or maybe in Eng it's "what are you thinking?" I love using this question with everyone - helps clear up a lot of confusion and really strengthen bonds. We spent the rest of the week conversing, laughing, bonding.

Apart from that, I've been trying to buckle down and live the Word of Wisdom better, including early to bed early to rise like it says in DyC 88:124. It's really tough here in ARG because every doggone meal features chicken or meat, but I'm trying to eat it sparingly. Trying to eat less in general, sleep on time and eliminate the 15 power naps that we're technically allowed to take if necessary, but have become not so necessary. I studied a chapter in the Teachings of Brigham Young on self control and love it! I'm out of time to include quotes, but I think it's chap 24 or something like that for those interested! Saturday Luis is getting baptized - let the work march on!

Elder Blake

Me and my boy Luis

 

 

Our outside door doesnt work so I have to hop the fence every day!