Grace: it enables us - Week 64 - March 21, 2022

I'd like to start off by expressing how greatful I am for the amazing people that are in my life! Thank y'all so much for everything you do. 

I had to say goodbye to everyone in the SA 1st ward this week; I was very sad. I'll attach all the photos below. It's hard to think that I had to leave all these people I love so much. 

I made it to Canyon Lake on Thursday. Oh boy it is soooo different than the 1st ward. We had church yesterday and there was probably 200 people at church. I haven't seen this many active members my whole mission.  The people here are mega rich too. Also, there are a couple parts where it's just redneck, hillbillies homes. The classic smoking a joint and drinking a beer. We have 3 people on baptismal date. We also found 4 people. Which is crazy for here. We found those 4 people on the past 4 days too, which is great. 

I've been pondering a lot about different things this week. Especially, because of some certain circumstances. It really makes me greatful for the knowledge that I have because of Christ's gospel. As I've been studying the Book of Mormon and there have been so many different things I've been noticing. Especially the love that God has for his children; it is unfathomable. My focus as I've been reading the scriptures is grace. I'm only in 1 Nephi 7 and I have seen so many examples of Jesus Christ's grace. 

His grace can enable us to to gain blessings and eternal life! Also, his grace makes it possible for Him to understand what we go through in life, it says in Alma 7:11,

"11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities."

Remember that he suffered all pains, afflictions, and temptations. That means no one knows you better than Jesus Christ. Why would you not reach out to him for His healing power? I have felt his healing power as I've learned about him through the scriptures. In Matthew 13:15 it says that His words will heal us, let them heal you.  

Have a great week!

Elder Larsen

Transfer week!! - Week 63 - March 14, 2022

What a week it has been! 

We got our transfer news last night, and I'm leaving the San Antonio 1st ward. Pretty sad, I've been here for the past 7 and a half months. Everyone here is like family to me. I'm going to miss the Vaciannas baptism which is next weekend, I'm super bummed for that. My new area is Canyon Lake, which from what I heard is a huge area and boonies. We get to drive a truck which is sweet. I had a feeling I was leaving so we visited a lot of people and took some photos. 

We had an amazing lesson with our friend Joe this week! We taught her about the temple and had a member there. The member bore a strong testimony about the temple. We asked Joe what changes she has seen in her life as she has been coming to church and reading the Book of Mormon for the last 6 months. She shared her feelings. Then we asked her to think about baptism and she said she truly would. 

We did a lot of service this week. We went out to the Schriber's house; they live on a lot of land. So we helped them cut some branches and then they fed us steak and potatoes. Yes, that was a win for sure. 

We went to the Freeloves this week to teach their less active son. Then we made and ate egg rolls with them. They are the best. I'm really going to miss them. Along with a lot of the members here. 

That's it for this week! Have a good week, love Elder Larsen. 

I'm a toe blister👍- Week 62 - March 7, 2022

I got called a toe blister this week...while street contacting some lady drove by and said you're a toe blister. That bothered me haha. Right after some lady was jamming in her car listening to a super sweet song and I said I liked that song. She just said I'm not interested. Can people just not have normal conversations with us?

Wednesday I was on exchanges with Elder Thomas. We went to the youth night. Oh boy, I haven't laughed that hard in a long long time. The things those kids say are so funny. I wish our ward had more youth. 

Everyone this week decided to cancel. On Saturday we had 2 service projects and 3 solid lessons. Both service projects canceled and all 3 lessons. That was so crazy. So instead we got bus passes and tracked for 3 hours. It was a fun day!

The zoo last week was pretty sweet. The weather was amazing, and I got to see my favorite animal...monkeys. I'll attach a photo below of a monkey straight up meditating. It was sweet. 

This week I decided to buckle down and start doing "Come Follow Me" and it's been amazing! I feel like a hypocrite when I'm telling these members to be doing it, then I'm not. I've already learned a lot. I watch a video from Emily Belle Freeman and David Butler. It's so fun to watch and I learn a lot. 

That's it for this week, Elder Larsen✌