Dwight turned 20 yesterday! Thanks to all those who wished him a happy birthday!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
September 6, 2011
Hey y'all!
It's P-day here is Philly! It is transfer week, so p-day falls on today, for us at least. All of those who are being transferred, it happens to be tomorrow, since transfers were pushed back until tomorrow, thanks to tropical storm Lee! Which we got a bunch of rain from. That's about it here. And 60 degree weather. I hear it is supposed to be back in the 90s by next week. Bummer. I like this weather. I actually used my umbrella a little. Weird. I haven't used it much.
We only had about 30 people in church this week. Man. We need some young families! That would be awesome. Looks like we'll have to baptize some! Unless anyone there wants to move to Philadelphia for the next 30 years or so... (not recommended :D )
Well, today we went to Clinton again to go to the Doctor's. Good man. Anyway, we still need to pack it, but it should be done by the end of this week. But we still need to go back next week. So we will. It is killing our miles though! Man. We'll make it work. Once he's healed we can walk outside and what not.
We had some good lessons this week. We are teaching a guy by the name of Diego. He is from Venezula. And he feeds us all the time. I have gotten the nickname "Moodingham" because I was in Kosciusko on exchanges and he forgot my name, and that is what he said. He's a great guy though. Makes really good food. And expects us to eat a lot, especially me. I almost threw up one time. Man... if I gain weight on my mission, it is going to be here. Hahahahaha. :D
We went and visited some less actives yesterday with Brother Muse (who is awesome. He is this old guy who is the second counsler in the branch presidency, and has been branch president of this branch.... 2 or 3 times before....). The spirit was really strong in all of our visits. Awesomeness.
Well... I don't know quite what else to say. I hope y'all have a good week! OH!!! BYU won! Take that Ole Miss!!! MWUAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! Ummmm... oh! I turn 20 on Saturday. 0o0o0o0o0o0o0o... I feel old. Diego is having us over for dinner. For steak! I love steak :D Should be good. But other then that, just an ordinary day in the life of a missionary. Next year though, I turn 21 on a p-day... dun dun dun... Hahahahahaha I love life!
I love you all!
Love,
Elder Mendenhall
It's P-day here is Philly! It is transfer week, so p-day falls on today, for us at least. All of those who are being transferred, it happens to be tomorrow, since transfers were pushed back until tomorrow, thanks to tropical storm Lee! Which we got a bunch of rain from. That's about it here. And 60 degree weather. I hear it is supposed to be back in the 90s by next week. Bummer. I like this weather. I actually used my umbrella a little. Weird. I haven't used it much.
We only had about 30 people in church this week. Man. We need some young families! That would be awesome. Looks like we'll have to baptize some! Unless anyone there wants to move to Philadelphia for the next 30 years or so... (not recommended :D )
Well, today we went to Clinton again to go to the Doctor's. Good man. Anyway, we still need to pack it, but it should be done by the end of this week. But we still need to go back next week. So we will. It is killing our miles though! Man. We'll make it work. Once he's healed we can walk outside and what not.
We had some good lessons this week. We are teaching a guy by the name of Diego. He is from Venezula. And he feeds us all the time. I have gotten the nickname "Moodingham" because I was in Kosciusko on exchanges and he forgot my name, and that is what he said. He's a great guy though. Makes really good food. And expects us to eat a lot, especially me. I almost threw up one time. Man... if I gain weight on my mission, it is going to be here. Hahahahaha. :D
We went and visited some less actives yesterday with Brother Muse (who is awesome. He is this old guy who is the second counsler in the branch presidency, and has been branch president of this branch.... 2 or 3 times before....). The spirit was really strong in all of our visits. Awesomeness.
Well... I don't know quite what else to say. I hope y'all have a good week! OH!!! BYU won! Take that Ole Miss!!! MWUAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! Ummmm... oh! I turn 20 on Saturday. 0o0o0o0o0o0o0o... I feel old. Diego is having us over for dinner. For steak! I love steak :D Should be good. But other then that, just an ordinary day in the life of a missionary. Next year though, I turn 21 on a p-day... dun dun dun... Hahahahahaha I love life!
I love you all!
Love,
Elder Mendenhall
Friday, September 2, 2011
Week 2 in Philly - August 29, 2011
Hey Y'all!
Life here is good! It is great to have a companion that cares about the rules :) The staph is still hanging on, but we go back to the Doctor's tomorrow in Clinton and we'll see what he says. It is slowly getting better. I am best friends with soap and lysol. Hahahahaha
So! Quick story. I forgot to mention last week... I am the official driver for the rest of Elder Belden's mission. On the way to Philly the first day, he was driving, and hit a car.... going about 8 mph. Just a tiny fender bender, but the people sure were mad. They definitely overreacted. Oh well. Elder Belden lost his driving priviledges. So... I drive. All the time. I'm not used to it. Elder Woolf drove 95% of the time I served with him. And we drive a lot in Philly, especially with Elder Belden's leg. Anyway... just thought I would tell that story.
Not a lot of people at the branch yesterday. I spoke about receiving revelation. It went wellw ith the other two talks. It was good. Don't ask what I talked about really. I can only tell you a handful of things. :)
We had a few good lessons this past week. It's tough to do a lot because of the staph leg, and it's the end of the month and we've used a lot of miles so far (due to the staph issue and having to drive to Clinton) so we are trying to take it easy. All is going well though and things will pick up! I know they will :) God is with us, so who can be against us? :)
Not too much else to say. Just pray for Diego, Christian & Bethany, and Sister Oaks, as well as all the other people here.
Love you all!
Love,
Elder Mendenhall
Sure is hilly in Philly! - August 22, 2011
Hey Y'all!
Wow. What a week! I went on exchanges with Elder Mark Monday-Wednesday, got a phone call Wednesday night from President Tucker saying that I was being transferred to Philadelphia! Mississippi. Anyway, President and Sister Tucker picked me up at about 8pm Friday night, and we drove to Brandon, where I stayed the night with the Zone Leaders there and with my new companion Elder Belden. Elder Belden had been there about 2 weeks when I got there. He was told he would only be there for 1 day/night, so that is all he packed for. Poor kid. Anyway, he has a staph infection in his leg. He got it from a bug bite, which he scratched and that is how it got there. The Doc cut it open, and I get to pack it every morning with gauze! Doctor Mendenhall is the name. Inflicting pain on my companion is the game. Yup! Anyway, I only did it Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. We are driving to Clinton tomorrow morning for his doctor's appointment at 10:30AM. He is supposed to take it easy and only work for a few hours at a time. So we are going to have quite a bit of down time for a week or so. Elder Belden goes home in Oct, so he has one transfer left. He wants to baptize, and so do I, so we are gonna git 'er done! Ain't nothin' to it but to do it! And work hard and rely on the Lord. Elder Belden is a hard worker and a good missionary. He's from Michigan. He's 23, graduated with an associates degree from LDSBC and went to a semester at BYU. Has one younger brother who is 14. Anyway, that's a little about him. We should have some good times together. We actually went fishing this morning at a member's "camp"/ranch/farm thing. They are from Gulfport. I have been to their house plenty of times there, and heard about this place, and I finally got to go. It's within the boundaries of my district. Pretty neat. We went with Elders Hansen (the DL) and Harman, both awesome guys. I already know the other two in my district from past areas/meetings. I am looking forward to this, though Elders Harman and Petersen will probably be transferred at the beginning of September. We'll see how things go.
Okay. A little about Philly! It's about 8000 people, has an Indian reservation, which has two big casinos. The Golden Moon and the Silver Star. The Silver Star is the better one (so I heard...). There is a branch here, with about 200 members. An average of 40 each week attend. I blessed the Sacrament, and spoke for 5 minutes. It was great. I like the people. Definitely wont take too long to get to know them. We have a pretty big area, but also small, since we really will only have time to work Philly and Union. We might make it to Carthage every now and then. Not enough miles to cover all of it all of it is about the whole county or so...).
I feel like I am rambling a lot. Anyway, my new address!
Elder Dwight Mendenhall
513 Jefferson St #8A
Philadelphia, MS 39350
I can be reached there for about the next 4 1/2 months or so. I am 95% certain that I will be training when Elder Belden leaves. There are 13 new missionaries coming out, and basically everyone has been told that I am training, myself included. Wish me luck... hahahaha. Anywho...
Life is great out here. The work moves forward, and no unhallowed hand can stop it. I am here to work and to teach and to bring souls unto Christ through faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. Sounds like a party to me! Let's make it happen! :)
Thank you for all that y'all do. It means a lot to me to have the support that I have. I love you all!
Love,
Elder Dwight Mendenhal
August 15, 2011
Hey All Y'all,
Weird week. Summer dropped us. She doesn't have a desire to change right now. We got a new Bishop in the Gulfport ward, since our current one is being transferred to Texas (kind of like a missionary! But it's due to work). This is the third Bishop since I've been here. And third ward mission leader, third high priest group leader.... and a bunch of other changes in the ward. I've been here forever.... hahahahaha
We had some less actives call us up this week and take us out to eat. We had gone and seen them a few days before they took us out. Kind of cool. I guess they like us. With around 700 less active members, we are trying to help them out a lot. There is a lot of work here to do, but it's all about trying to organize and be productive with the time and trying to not sweat to death. We've had some warm ones.
Anyway, I got some good mail this past week. One letter, a postcard, and a package! I like it! Thanks to all those who sent me stuff. I appreciate it. I think I wrote about eight letters today. Kind of a relaxing p-day. Anywho... not a lot of time. We didn't get a chance to get on a computer until now. So, not very long this week. Oh well.
Oh! I spoke in Sacrament meeting. About 5 minutes. I had to cut it short, as there was supposed to be 3 speakers altogether, but they called a new Bishop, so there ended up being 6 altogther. The high councilman got put off until next week even. I taught about true conversion and sharing the gospel. The 5 steps needed. Study, Believe, Love, Live, and Teach/Share. I want to actually write something about it. Maybe I will type it up sometime if I ever have time and send it to all y'all.
In the mean time, just trust that all is well and remember that Christ lives and loves us all. :)
Love,
Elder Dwight Mendenhall
Weird week. Summer dropped us. She doesn't have a desire to change right now. We got a new Bishop in the Gulfport ward, since our current one is being transferred to Texas (kind of like a missionary! But it's due to work). This is the third Bishop since I've been here. And third ward mission leader, third high priest group leader.... and a bunch of other changes in the ward. I've been here forever.... hahahahaha
We had some less actives call us up this week and take us out to eat. We had gone and seen them a few days before they took us out. Kind of cool. I guess they like us. With around 700 less active members, we are trying to help them out a lot. There is a lot of work here to do, but it's all about trying to organize and be productive with the time and trying to not sweat to death. We've had some warm ones.
Anyway, I got some good mail this past week. One letter, a postcard, and a package! I like it! Thanks to all those who sent me stuff. I appreciate it. I think I wrote about eight letters today. Kind of a relaxing p-day. Anywho... not a lot of time. We didn't get a chance to get on a computer until now. So, not very long this week. Oh well.
Oh! I spoke in Sacrament meeting. About 5 minutes. I had to cut it short, as there was supposed to be 3 speakers altogether, but they called a new Bishop, so there ended up being 6 altogther. The high councilman got put off until next week even. I taught about true conversion and sharing the gospel. The 5 steps needed. Study, Believe, Love, Live, and Teach/Share. I want to actually write something about it. Maybe I will type it up sometime if I ever have time and send it to all y'all.
In the mean time, just trust that all is well and remember that Christ lives and loves us all. :)
Love,
Elder Dwight Mendenhall
Rainy Season? - August 8, 2011
Hey Everyone!
I guess this must be the rainy season here in Mississippi. We've been getting a lot lately.
So... Last Monday was Elder Woolf's birthday. We went out to dinner. I had some 'Gator! Fried gator. It was good. And I had fried crawfish. Man I love southern food.
Tuesday, we attended a funeral. The missionaries in Gulfport were asked to be the pallbearers. I got to wear a little boutineer... with SUNFLOWERS! I wanted to keep it, but we put it on the casket. I liked it though. I had plans for it. I know I am crazy, but whatever.
There was a baptism on Saturday. It was cool to attend and to see some missionaries hard work pay off. Hopefully there will be three more baptisms on the 20th. We'll see. It should be good though! The work is going well in the Gulfport area.
That's really all I have to say right now. I am not very talkative today. Hope y'all have a great week!
Love,
Elder Mendenhal
Long Beach - August 1, 2011
Hey All Y'all,
To make this short... it's been a long week. We moved Saturday to Long Beach and we spent the day moving and cleaning. Anyway, Life is good here. I am excited to start working the Long Beach area. I know that the Lord will bless us with success.
It's Elder Woolf's birthday today, and we need to get going. We are emailing at an investigator's house, since the Library here wont let us access our LDS Mail accounts, and he only has one computer so it has taken twice as long to email as it normally would.
Hope all is well!
Love,
Elder Dwight Mendenhall
To make this short... it's been a long week. We moved Saturday to Long Beach and we spent the day moving and cleaning. Anyway, Life is good here. I am excited to start working the Long Beach area. I know that the Lord will bless us with success.
It's Elder Woolf's birthday today, and we need to get going. We are emailing at an investigator's house, since the Library here wont let us access our LDS Mail accounts, and he only has one computer so it has taken twice as long to email as it normally would.
Hope all is well!
Love,
Elder Dwight Mendenhall
Living On The Coast... Maybe I should have my records transferred here? - July 26, 2011
Hey Everyone!
So first things first. I am still here in Gulfport. I will be here with Elder Woolf for another transfer. We are moving from Gulfport to Long Beach though, so here is my new mailing address.
Elder Dwight D Mendenhall
4401 Beatline Road Apt 5D
Long Beach, Mississippi 39560
I don't have much time, since I spent it all typing a speech. Which, congrats to David and Kim! I get a new sister-in-law this week! Yay!
Summer is progressing nicely. She is on top of things and is super awesome! We are moving this Saturday, so we'll be in Long Beach then. Same ward and basically the same area. A little smaller though.
Hope all is well!
Love,
Elder Mendenhall
So first things first. I am still here in Gulfport. I will be here with Elder Woolf for another transfer. We are moving from Gulfport to Long Beach though, so here is my new mailing address.
Elder Dwight D Mendenhall
4401 Beatline Road Apt 5D
Long Beach, Mississippi 39560
I don't have much time, since I spent it all typing a speech. Which, congrats to David and Kim! I get a new sister-in-law this week! Yay!
Summer is progressing nicely. She is on top of things and is super awesome! We are moving this Saturday, so we'll be in Long Beach then. Same ward and basically the same area. A little smaller though.
Hope all is well!
Love,
Elder Mendenhall
July 11, 2011
Howdy All Y'all,
Man oh man. What a week. First off for the really awesome news that I am excited about...
Summer is awesome! We taught her Tuesday and Saturday. And she came to church yesterday. We took her to Brother Carpenter's house in the ward on Tuesday, and we also had Sister Stubbs there (and her sister who was in town from Oregon) to help fellowship. We were going to teach the Restoration, but instead we taught the Plan of Salvation. It was what she needed. She had researched some stuff before and had thoughts about the doctrine we taught her, but never found a church that taught it until now. We helped her organize her own thoughts into something that makes sense. She has also had dreams where she has gone and visited a place she has been before. So cool. Saturday we had Sandy Skok pick her up and take her to the church. We gave her a tour, and then taught her the Restoration in the Sacrament room. Summer is just full of questions and eager to learn. She participated in Gospel Principles and in Relief Society. In fact, one of the ladies afterward gave her a hug and thanked her for her participation. The Gulfport ward is really picking up the ball on this on. And her girls came with her to church as well. She has a 7 and 2 year old. The 2 year old is adorable and makes me miss my little nieces. Anyway... Summer is just awesome and legit and there is no doubt that as long as prayers are being said in her behalf and that she continues the way she is going, she will be baptized. We are going to teach her about the Gospel of Jesus Christ tomorrow morning. I can't wait.
I went on exchanges this past week with Elder Norton in the north Gulfport area. We taught some good lessons there. And Elder Woolf and ELder Johnson had a good lesson with Scott while I was gone. Sadly, Scott didn't come to church, but that's okay. He'll be there next week. :)
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o!!! I get to be the best man at David's wedding! I am excited! I may not be there in person, but hopefully my speech will be good! Hahahahaha. :)
So I ordered quite a bit of stuff from lds.org. I am excited for it. Some study materials and such. And it means a package in the mail. YAY!
By the way... I have decided that I need some brighter colorful ties. So if anyone sends ties to me in the next 18 months or so, go bright and colorful! :)
Hmmmm... oh! I made macaroni salad yesterday from the recipe Mom sent me. It was/is delcious! Just saying... be jealous.
So, we are possibly going fishing today. And coon hunting. Yup. That's our p-day. We'll see how it all plays out. Stay tuned for updates on these stories next week!
One last thing before I send this. Just remember that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. His power is real. Through the Atonement, we can become perfected, and that process can start NOW. And it should. Don't wait for His redeeming love. It's not just for sins, but for everything. For every pain or weakness. Christ can help our weaknesses to become our greatest strengths. Never doubt that. Just believe and do.
I love you all!
Love,
Elder Dwight Mendenhall
Man oh man. What a week. First off for the really awesome news that I am excited about...
Summer is awesome! We taught her Tuesday and Saturday. And she came to church yesterday. We took her to Brother Carpenter's house in the ward on Tuesday, and we also had Sister Stubbs there (and her sister who was in town from Oregon) to help fellowship. We were going to teach the Restoration, but instead we taught the Plan of Salvation. It was what she needed. She had researched some stuff before and had thoughts about the doctrine we taught her, but never found a church that taught it until now. We helped her organize her own thoughts into something that makes sense. She has also had dreams where she has gone and visited a place she has been before. So cool. Saturday we had Sandy Skok pick her up and take her to the church. We gave her a tour, and then taught her the Restoration in the Sacrament room. Summer is just full of questions and eager to learn. She participated in Gospel Principles and in Relief Society. In fact, one of the ladies afterward gave her a hug and thanked her for her participation. The Gulfport ward is really picking up the ball on this on. And her girls came with her to church as well. She has a 7 and 2 year old. The 2 year old is adorable and makes me miss my little nieces. Anyway... Summer is just awesome and legit and there is no doubt that as long as prayers are being said in her behalf and that she continues the way she is going, she will be baptized. We are going to teach her about the Gospel of Jesus Christ tomorrow morning. I can't wait.
I went on exchanges this past week with Elder Norton in the north Gulfport area. We taught some good lessons there. And Elder Woolf and ELder Johnson had a good lesson with Scott while I was gone. Sadly, Scott didn't come to church, but that's okay. He'll be there next week. :)
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o!!! I get to be the best man at David's wedding! I am excited! I may not be there in person, but hopefully my speech will be good! Hahahahaha. :)
So I ordered quite a bit of stuff from lds.org. I am excited for it. Some study materials and such. And it means a package in the mail. YAY!
By the way... I have decided that I need some brighter colorful ties. So if anyone sends ties to me in the next 18 months or so, go bright and colorful! :)
Hmmmm... oh! I made macaroni salad yesterday from the recipe Mom sent me. It was/is delcious! Just saying... be jealous.
So, we are possibly going fishing today. And coon hunting. Yup. That's our p-day. We'll see how it all plays out. Stay tuned for updates on these stories next week!
One last thing before I send this. Just remember that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. His power is real. Through the Atonement, we can become perfected, and that process can start NOW. And it should. Don't wait for His redeeming love. It's not just for sins, but for everything. For every pain or weakness. Christ can help our weaknesses to become our greatest strengths. Never doubt that. Just believe and do.
I love you all!
Love,
Elder Dwight Mendenhall
Stars and Stripes Forever (with a little confederate pride thrown in)...
Hey All Y'all!
Happy Independence Day! I hope it was fantastic for all of you. It being P-day, we didn't do a whole lot. In fact, we had a BBQ at a member's house and then stayed there all day. That was it. We played some games, had a water balloon fight, and ate homemade ice cream. It was a fun day, but also... long.
Okay! Exciting news! We got a phone call this past week from the mission office. They called us with a referral. The woman's name is Summer, and she was taught a little by the missionaries in North Carolina where she lived before Gulfport. They wanted her to keep being taught so they passed the info along until we got it. She read part of Alma that the Elders there left for her and she prayed about the Book Of Mormon and got a positive feeling that it is true. Sounds golden, right? Hahahahaha. If only things were that easy. She has a lot of things to work through. She has had a tough life and it wont be easy for her, but I believe she is going to progress and with God's help, she will be baptized and be a strong member. I feel like I am here for a reason for her, as with some of the issues she has, most missionaries wouldn't have a clue. With my "upbringing" though, I am better prepared for situations like this. I will let you all figure out that. Anyway, we are teaching her today at 1pm and I am excited. We are going to a member's home that is pretty close to her, because she stays with another family right now and it is pretty loud over there. We are also having a member that seems like she would be a good fellowshipper come over as well, who also has her sister in town visiting, so it might be a member overload, but it will be good. God is with us. :)
Other than that it was a pretty normal week for us. Well, not entirely true. We were going over to teach a less active the lessons to help her (and us) out, and she decided to have her non-member boyfriend be there so he could hear it as well. So that was unexpected. We are going over there tomorrow to teach them again. Should be good. Heavenly Father is sending things our way it seems. :)
I hope all is well with you. This is short, but we need to get going soon, eat lunch, and then bike to our 1pm appointment. Just know that life is great and that God loves all of you! :) Pray for me please, and Summer, Scott and his family, and everyone else down here. :)
With Love From The South,
Elder Mendenhall
More Pics,,,
Mugshots Challenge! My food is taken apart so it was easier to grab.
Elder Price with the Mugshots Challenge, so you can see the food
Father's Day
Hello Everyone,
First off, I would like to say Happy Father's Day to the best Dad ever! Papa Mendenhall! :) Trust me when I say that he is the best. Hands down, no questions asked.
For my email this week, I am going to do something I little different. I am going to share a story with all of you. Well, at least I will be sharing this.
A Tribute To Father’s Day
By A Fellow Missionary
To commemorate Father’s Day this year, I would like to write this tribute to the best Father EVER. The Father of our spirits, our Heavenly Father.
Having seen what I have seen on my mission, the dysfunctional families, the heartache, the troubles, the worries, I start to truly appreciate my family. I really can’t wait to go home and see them. To be with my parents again, it is going to be great. My companion and I were talking and there really is no feeling greater than going home. I have seen many a missionary finish his mission and I know how excited they were to go home. Sure they were excited for college, movies and girls, but the thing they couldn’t wait for the most was their family. I am the same way. I cannot wait to see my parents. Two years is a long time, though compared to a lifetime, it really isn’t much.
Well, this all got me to thinking about our Heavenly Father and how much I love him and knowing how much He loves me. A lifetime is a long time, but compared to eternity, it really isn’t much. Knowing that if I stay worthy and be the best son I can be, I will see Him again one day is a piece of knowledge that I treasure dearly. I can’t wait to look into his familiar face. Ezra Taft Benson once said, “Nothing will surprise us more than when we get to heaven and see the Father and realize how well we know Him and how familiar His face is to us." God our Father KNOWS us personally, and we know Him. He is our Father. He taught us, we learned from Him. We have an intimate relationship with Him that we just don’t fully remember. We can feel a little bit of it, but not all of it. Just imagine when we get to that place though and how marvelous it is going to be. After our lifetime here, no matter how long that may be, we are going to see how Father again, if we live worthy and stay true to the Gospel standards and values. If we do what He asks, He will have us home again. He will open His arms for me, and I will run into them. I will embrace my Father and receive His perfect hug that is waiting for me. I will say to Him, “Daddy, I did it. I’m home. Thank you for helping me through it all.” He will then look me in the eyes, and in the soft voice that only exists of a Father to a child, He will say, “Well done, my beautiful child. Welcome home!”
I will not do anything to mar that perfect moment. I live for it, I breathe for it. When that time comes, He will know me and I will know Him again. I promise as a servant of the Lord, that if you really truly live the Gospel as He has asked, that moment will come for you. It can come for all of us. Live worthy of that perfect hug. Stay strong and be true. Kia Kaha.
Happy Father’s Day!
I know this work is true. God has made that truth manifest to me. Of that, there is no doubt. I am grateful to be serving here in Gulfport, Mississippi. I am grateful for the power of prayer and for the change of heart that God can give us. As we pray for and work at Christ like attributes, knowing we will receive, then we will.
Yesterday, we had two investigators in church. Scott and his wife came. Elder Todd and I gave him a Book of Mormon (that he had requested) and Elder Woolf and I have been by a couple of times to see him. He is an awesome guy and loves the Mormons. His wife really seemed to enjoy church. This is the first time I met her. They only stayed for Sacrament meeting, as their 16 year old daughter was at home and they wanted to get home to her. They recently found out that she has a cist between her tailbone and spinal cord, and she is in a lot of pain. They are trying to take care of that, but something has to heal before she can have surgery. But they are an awesome family, and they will be baptized! I can see it happening, and trusting in the Lord, I know it will. :)
I hope you all have an awesome day! Remember to love the Lord and to pray for and look for opportunities to share the Gospel.
Love,
Elder Dwight Mendenhall
First off, I would like to say Happy Father's Day to the best Dad ever! Papa Mendenhall! :) Trust me when I say that he is the best. Hands down, no questions asked.
For my email this week, I am going to do something I little different. I am going to share a story with all of you. Well, at least I will be sharing this.
A Tribute To Father’s Day
By A Fellow Missionary
To commemorate Father’s Day this year, I would like to write this tribute to the best Father EVER. The Father of our spirits, our Heavenly Father.
Having seen what I have seen on my mission, the dysfunctional families, the heartache, the troubles, the worries, I start to truly appreciate my family. I really can’t wait to go home and see them. To be with my parents again, it is going to be great. My companion and I were talking and there really is no feeling greater than going home. I have seen many a missionary finish his mission and I know how excited they were to go home. Sure they were excited for college, movies and girls, but the thing they couldn’t wait for the most was their family. I am the same way. I cannot wait to see my parents. Two years is a long time, though compared to a lifetime, it really isn’t much.
Well, this all got me to thinking about our Heavenly Father and how much I love him and knowing how much He loves me. A lifetime is a long time, but compared to eternity, it really isn’t much. Knowing that if I stay worthy and be the best son I can be, I will see Him again one day is a piece of knowledge that I treasure dearly. I can’t wait to look into his familiar face. Ezra Taft Benson once said, “Nothing will surprise us more than when we get to heaven and see the Father and realize how well we know Him and how familiar His face is to us." God our Father KNOWS us personally, and we know Him. He is our Father. He taught us, we learned from Him. We have an intimate relationship with Him that we just don’t fully remember. We can feel a little bit of it, but not all of it. Just imagine when we get to that place though and how marvelous it is going to be. After our lifetime here, no matter how long that may be, we are going to see how Father again, if we live worthy and stay true to the Gospel standards and values. If we do what He asks, He will have us home again. He will open His arms for me, and I will run into them. I will embrace my Father and receive His perfect hug that is waiting for me. I will say to Him, “Daddy, I did it. I’m home. Thank you for helping me through it all.” He will then look me in the eyes, and in the soft voice that only exists of a Father to a child, He will say, “Well done, my beautiful child. Welcome home!”
I will not do anything to mar that perfect moment. I live for it, I breathe for it. When that time comes, He will know me and I will know Him again. I promise as a servant of the Lord, that if you really truly live the Gospel as He has asked, that moment will come for you. It can come for all of us. Live worthy of that perfect hug. Stay strong and be true. Kia Kaha.
Happy Father’s Day!
I know this work is true. God has made that truth manifest to me. Of that, there is no doubt. I am grateful to be serving here in Gulfport, Mississippi. I am grateful for the power of prayer and for the change of heart that God can give us. As we pray for and work at Christ like attributes, knowing we will receive, then we will.
Yesterday, we had two investigators in church. Scott and his wife came. Elder Todd and I gave him a Book of Mormon (that he had requested) and Elder Woolf and I have been by a couple of times to see him. He is an awesome guy and loves the Mormons. His wife really seemed to enjoy church. This is the first time I met her. They only stayed for Sacrament meeting, as their 16 year old daughter was at home and they wanted to get home to her. They recently found out that she has a cist between her tailbone and spinal cord, and she is in a lot of pain. They are trying to take care of that, but something has to heal before she can have surgery. But they are an awesome family, and they will be baptized! I can see it happening, and trusting in the Lord, I know it will. :)
I hope you all have an awesome day! Remember to love the Lord and to pray for and look for opportunities to share the Gospel.
Love,
Elder Dwight Mendenhall
June 13, 2011
Hey everyone!
I am going to make this quick. First and foremost.....
I am staying in Gulfport! YAY! I am here for at least another 6 weeks. Elder Woolf and I are staying together and we're pretty excited.
Life is great. I am loving it. As always. Ummmm... not too much has happened this past week. At least out of the ordinary. Maybe... Ummmm... Wait! I think this happened this past week. It all blends together. I attempted the Mugshots challenge. And Failed. But I tried. I will attach a picture of the food so y'all can see.
Anyway... I don't have a lot of time. Just know that Christ lives and He loves all y'all. And me too! YAY! Hahahahaha...
Love you!
With Love From The South,
Elder Dwight Mendenhall
I am going to make this quick. First and foremost.....
I am staying in Gulfport! YAY! I am here for at least another 6 weeks. Elder Woolf and I are staying together and we're pretty excited.
Life is great. I am loving it. As always. Ummmm... not too much has happened this past week. At least out of the ordinary. Maybe... Ummmm... Wait! I think this happened this past week. It all blends together. I attempted the Mugshots challenge. And Failed. But I tried. I will attach a picture of the food so y'all can see.
Anyway... I don't have a lot of time. Just know that Christ lives and He loves all y'all. And me too! YAY! Hahahahaha...
Love you!
With Love From The South,
Elder Dwight Mendenhall
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)