Hey Dad,
You are very welcome for the letter, it was a pleasure to share Father's Day with you through that small token of the love I have for you. It sounds like you had a great day, as you should have. The visit with President Moldenhauer went so good, he's such a good man. Eddie is still progressing and soaking everything up like a sponge. We are going over there tonight to plan out the baptismal service with him, should be good. In other exciting news...We had two bretheren from the missionary department visit our mission, Christ Randall and Tim Bothell. Brother Randall noticed my name tag and asked if I was related to Mark and he said that he has known him for like 25 years and is really close to him and his family, so that was cool. They came and gave great counsel to us as the leadership in the mission. They talked about beginning teaching and how to invite the Spirit in right from the get go, even before the prayer. It was really so good. I have been able to apply it and have seen the fruits already... My personal study yesterday was interesting, I felt prompted to read Doctrine and Covenants section 76 for some reason, so I did. Later on in the day we stopped by a member (Jack Rice) and he had a plethera of questions on what? The Kingdoms of Glory and who goes where and why. It was incredible. I was able to answer a lot of his questions and the Spirit was very strong. He is such a good guy. He reminds me a lot of Brother Waters in Jasper...
That's funny that Utah is getting all that moisture while here it hasn't rained in forever. It is SO hot Dad, like ridiculous. Good thing people see us sweating and are nice and give us water otherwise I would probably pass out. Tracting is almost dangerous ha.
I love you Dad
Elder Jarman
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
I Love Being Able to Witness This Change
Mom,
How goes the new calling in the stake? I hope well. I was very happy to hear that all went swimmingly with Father's Day! Dad deserves a break every once in a while.
The summer months are indeed upon us. Heat is better than cold I have decided, for me anyway. I would much rather be too hot than too cold. A lot of people state the claim you can always add clothes to warm up in the cold but I still would rather be too hot. Maybe I only say that because I am here in the heat and want to be optimistic though, who knows... ha.
Of course Emma has a crush on the tennis instructor haha. What a little girl. Is Lou still doing Tennis? What is she up to? And Hillary? They being good?
Eddie is doing so good. He is such a good guy. He has transformed into this super father/husband since June 7th haha. He does the dishes, the laundry, cooks, everything. All thanks to the gospel and the Spirit. I love being able to witness this change. We are going over there tonight to plan out the baptismal service, it should be good.
I love you!
Elder Jarman
How goes the new calling in the stake? I hope well. I was very happy to hear that all went swimmingly with Father's Day! Dad deserves a break every once in a while.
The summer months are indeed upon us. Heat is better than cold I have decided, for me anyway. I would much rather be too hot than too cold. A lot of people state the claim you can always add clothes to warm up in the cold but I still would rather be too hot. Maybe I only say that because I am here in the heat and want to be optimistic though, who knows... ha.
Of course Emma has a crush on the tennis instructor haha. What a little girl. Is Lou still doing Tennis? What is she up to? And Hillary? They being good?
Eddie is doing so good. He is such a good guy. He has transformed into this super father/husband since June 7th haha. He does the dishes, the laundry, cooks, everything. All thanks to the gospel and the Spirit. I love being able to witness this change. We are going over there tonight to plan out the baptismal service, it should be good.
I love you!
Elder Jarman
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
I Have A Strong Testimony that the Gospel Changes Lives
Dad,
Eddie is on fire Dad! He is a changed man. The gospel is so true. We taught him the plan of salvation and the gospel of Jesus Christ coupled with different commandments since last week and he is just grasping on and not letting go. The word of wisdom, family home evening, reading, and praying, he has committed to do it all because he has felt the Spirit. He said so himself after an emotional lesson "It's as though my eyes, my spiritual eyes, had been shut until now. They're wide open after feeling what I felt." He is like a sponge. I know that this change that has occurred in his life is not because of Elder Lybbert and I's ability to teach but because of the Spirit of God. I have never felt the Spirit so strongly. Eddie has a solid relationship with a few of the members and we are taking President Moldenhauer over to meet him tonight.
I actually just found out that LA won yesterday haha. GO LAKERS! haha.
I have such a strong testimony that the gospel blesses families. Look at the mobilization that is happening for Grandma Knell. And that isn't the first time it's happened and wont be the last. I am so grateful for the family I come from. I have great examples of all the christlike attributes around me all the time. My only idea for you to speak about is that we are no more like the Father than when we bear testimony of His Divinely appointed Son, Jesus Christ. That is something Elder Callister of the 70 taught us when he came months ago. Also that service is a great way to better understand the true nature of our Heavenly Father. Carlos H. Amado gave a talk about that a few conferences ago.
I love you Dad. The work is going on strongly.
Love Elder Jarman
Eddie is on fire Dad! He is a changed man. The gospel is so true. We taught him the plan of salvation and the gospel of Jesus Christ coupled with different commandments since last week and he is just grasping on and not letting go. The word of wisdom, family home evening, reading, and praying, he has committed to do it all because he has felt the Spirit. He said so himself after an emotional lesson "It's as though my eyes, my spiritual eyes, had been shut until now. They're wide open after feeling what I felt." He is like a sponge. I know that this change that has occurred in his life is not because of Elder Lybbert and I's ability to teach but because of the Spirit of God. I have never felt the Spirit so strongly. Eddie has a solid relationship with a few of the members and we are taking President Moldenhauer over to meet him tonight.
I actually just found out that LA won yesterday haha. GO LAKERS! haha.
I have such a strong testimony that the gospel blesses families. Look at the mobilization that is happening for Grandma Knell. And that isn't the first time it's happened and wont be the last. I am so grateful for the family I come from. I have great examples of all the christlike attributes around me all the time. My only idea for you to speak about is that we are no more like the Father than when we bear testimony of His Divinely appointed Son, Jesus Christ. That is something Elder Callister of the 70 taught us when he came months ago. Also that service is a great way to better understand the true nature of our Heavenly Father. Carlos H. Amado gave a talk about that a few conferences ago.
I love you Dad. The work is going on strongly.
Love Elder Jarman
Attitude Is Everything
Mom!
Eddie Ray continues to amaze me. He is a changed man. We taught the word of wisdom to him this past week and he is a HUGE iced tea drinker. His wife after the part about tea asked him "So what are you gonna do with all that tea?" he simply said "What about it? I'm throwing it out." Oh it was awesome. Then he went on to bear testimony of the reality of Joseph Smith's vision to his son who is a member but was questioning it. This has been the most gratifying time of my mission. The Ray family came to church, Eddie a half hour early, and loved it. The message was on Celestial Marriage of all things and was tailor made for them. Eddie loved it. Mom it's incredible what the gospel can do.
That is cool you got an email from the mission home. I'm still learning so much in regard to obedience and sacrifice. I know that those are both vital to learn and fully understand while in this life. We have a great mission president who loves us and only wants what is best for us.
I am glad to hear Grandma is doing better. What great examples of being of good cheer we have in our lives. Attitude is everything.
I love you mom. I am grateful for all the sacrifices you make for me. I know that this gospel is true and that the church is truly Jesus Christ's.
Love Elder Jarman
Eddie Ray continues to amaze me. He is a changed man. We taught the word of wisdom to him this past week and he is a HUGE iced tea drinker. His wife after the part about tea asked him "So what are you gonna do with all that tea?" he simply said "What about it? I'm throwing it out." Oh it was awesome. Then he went on to bear testimony of the reality of Joseph Smith's vision to his son who is a member but was questioning it. This has been the most gratifying time of my mission. The Ray family came to church, Eddie a half hour early, and loved it. The message was on Celestial Marriage of all things and was tailor made for them. Eddie loved it. Mom it's incredible what the gospel can do.
That is cool you got an email from the mission home. I'm still learning so much in regard to obedience and sacrifice. I know that those are both vital to learn and fully understand while in this life. We have a great mission president who loves us and only wants what is best for us.
I am glad to hear Grandma is doing better. What great examples of being of good cheer we have in our lives. Attitude is everything.
I love you mom. I am grateful for all the sacrifices you make for me. I know that this gospel is true and that the church is truly Jesus Christ's.
Love Elder Jarman
For Some Reason I Felt Otherwise
Mother,
This past week I was able to experience one of the most spiritual moments of my mission. Words really can't explain these types of things but I will do my best.
Eddie Ray is 35 and married to a member in our ward who is less than active, Sister Ray- naturally, and the father of three great kids, well two great and one that has great potential to be great. He saw his family get baptized in the summer of '07. When I first got here Eddie would rarely, if ever, sit in on our visits to their home. Over time this began to change. I found a medium with him with sports and so we would have conversations about different topics. For his birthday I got him some big league chew and a pack of baseball cards. After that he really opened up. Last week we visited the Ray's and Eddie wasn't home, Sister Ray was having a really hard time coping with events that had occurred. Eddie lost his job and was showing much stress and it was getting to Sister Ray as well. Then we came by and talked to her on her door step about adversity and asked her to read D&C 121-122, and Alma 14. We had a great visit to say the least. Then that next morning she called and said that she not only read those sections and chapters but that she read them with her family and they prayed as a family as well. THEN she said that Eddie had questions and was ready for change. Our appointment was for Fast Sunday at 7 pm. We went to a member’s home around 5 to break our fast but got a text while there from Sister Ray saying it wasn't going to work out. For some reason I felt otherwise. Elder Lybbert and I showed up at their home around 8 pm and they were there, and so we went in and visited with them. That morning I had for my studies adapted the 1st and 3rd lessons into a baseball themed lesson, it was sweet ha. So we shared that with them and specifically taught baptism throughout the lesson. Eddies eyes were filled with tears of joy at the end and we invited him to be baptized, he said yes! The Spirit was so strong. Monday morning Sister Ray called and said her husband was a new man. I have such a strong testimony that this gospel has the power to change anyone in any situation at any point in their life for the better. I am grateful for moments like this.
Not only did that happen this past week but Elder Lybbert and I gave a teaching workshop in zone conference. It went really well! Also we sang Hymn 131 "More Holiness Give Me" for the obedience and sacrifice themed conference. A lot of new policies have come in to the mission and sacrifice and obedience are vital.
I agree with you that life is good. 3 John 1:4 is one of my all time favorites. I love you mom and pray for you always.
Love Elder Jarman
This past week I was able to experience one of the most spiritual moments of my mission. Words really can't explain these types of things but I will do my best.
Eddie Ray is 35 and married to a member in our ward who is less than active, Sister Ray- naturally, and the father of three great kids, well two great and one that has great potential to be great. He saw his family get baptized in the summer of '07. When I first got here Eddie would rarely, if ever, sit in on our visits to their home. Over time this began to change. I found a medium with him with sports and so we would have conversations about different topics. For his birthday I got him some big league chew and a pack of baseball cards. After that he really opened up. Last week we visited the Ray's and Eddie wasn't home, Sister Ray was having a really hard time coping with events that had occurred. Eddie lost his job and was showing much stress and it was getting to Sister Ray as well. Then we came by and talked to her on her door step about adversity and asked her to read D&C 121-122, and Alma 14. We had a great visit to say the least. Then that next morning she called and said that she not only read those sections and chapters but that she read them with her family and they prayed as a family as well. THEN she said that Eddie had questions and was ready for change. Our appointment was for Fast Sunday at 7 pm. We went to a member’s home around 5 to break our fast but got a text while there from Sister Ray saying it wasn't going to work out. For some reason I felt otherwise. Elder Lybbert and I showed up at their home around 8 pm and they were there, and so we went in and visited with them. That morning I had for my studies adapted the 1st and 3rd lessons into a baseball themed lesson, it was sweet ha. So we shared that with them and specifically taught baptism throughout the lesson. Eddies eyes were filled with tears of joy at the end and we invited him to be baptized, he said yes! The Spirit was so strong. Monday morning Sister Ray called and said her husband was a new man. I have such a strong testimony that this gospel has the power to change anyone in any situation at any point in their life for the better. I am grateful for moments like this.
Not only did that happen this past week but Elder Lybbert and I gave a teaching workshop in zone conference. It went really well! Also we sang Hymn 131 "More Holiness Give Me" for the obedience and sacrifice themed conference. A lot of new policies have come in to the mission and sacrifice and obedience are vital.
I agree with you that life is good. 3 John 1:4 is one of my all time favorites. I love you mom and pray for you always.
Love Elder Jarman
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
ALL Things That are Joyous Lead to Righteousness
Hey Dad,
As it is so stated in D&C 60:13 we are commanded to not be idle. It's probably not a coincidence that I studied that this morning. Also on sacrifice as well. Amulek is a great example of that. In Alma 15:16 it shows all that he gave up for the gospel. He followed the standard that Christ has for all his disciples, Luke 14:33-35. Thank you for setting the example of always being engaged in a good cause Dad. I didn't learn that lesson of fleeing idleness until this point in my life and I doubt I have fully learned it but I am more and more understanding it and realizing the importance behind it. Fun isn't important, joy is. It's the fun stuff in life that leads us down the road of regret remorse and eventual repentance, joy only brings goodness and blessings. Of course not ALL fun leads to repentance, but ALL things that are joyous lead to righteousness.
My week was really good. What I have learned about my companion so far is that he is an amazing singer but never took lessons. He helps filter quality into all aspects of the work. His sister knows Jami & Trey Warner, her name is Natasha Woodward- so she is Jami's sister in law. His dad is in the stake presidency. He brings a new level of enthusiasm and diligence into the work. The latest zone news is that we need to be better teachers. As I have been on exchanges with different companionships I have been very concerned with the level of teaching. So the upcoming zone conference will touch on that for sure. I spoke in Sacrament meeting for the first time on my mission so I guess that qualifies for exciting. I spoke without any notes or anything in front of me too, first time for that as well. It was really good. Our ward has come such a long way. We can always do better though. I love this gospel and am so well pleased to be a missionary on the Lord's errand "When on the Lord's errand you are entitled to the Lord's help. -Thomas S. Monson. I feel the Lord's help everyday.
Love Elder Jarman
As it is so stated in D&C 60:13 we are commanded to not be idle. It's probably not a coincidence that I studied that this morning. Also on sacrifice as well. Amulek is a great example of that. In Alma 15:16 it shows all that he gave up for the gospel. He followed the standard that Christ has for all his disciples, Luke 14:33-35. Thank you for setting the example of always being engaged in a good cause Dad. I didn't learn that lesson of fleeing idleness until this point in my life and I doubt I have fully learned it but I am more and more understanding it and realizing the importance behind it. Fun isn't important, joy is. It's the fun stuff in life that leads us down the road of regret remorse and eventual repentance, joy only brings goodness and blessings. Of course not ALL fun leads to repentance, but ALL things that are joyous lead to righteousness.
My week was really good. What I have learned about my companion so far is that he is an amazing singer but never took lessons. He helps filter quality into all aspects of the work. His sister knows Jami & Trey Warner, her name is Natasha Woodward- so she is Jami's sister in law. His dad is in the stake presidency. He brings a new level of enthusiasm and diligence into the work. The latest zone news is that we need to be better teachers. As I have been on exchanges with different companionships I have been very concerned with the level of teaching. So the upcoming zone conference will touch on that for sure. I spoke in Sacrament meeting for the first time on my mission so I guess that qualifies for exciting. I spoke without any notes or anything in front of me too, first time for that as well. It was really good. Our ward has come such a long way. We can always do better though. I love this gospel and am so well pleased to be a missionary on the Lord's errand "When on the Lord's errand you are entitled to the Lord's help. -Thomas S. Monson. I feel the Lord's help everyday.
Love Elder Jarman
"Cease to be Idle"
Mom,
Guess what I studied about this morning? How it is a commandment from the Lord to cease to be idle. D&C 60:13 so clearly states that. So in the beginning of this summer season I hope and pray that my sisters will understand that. It is something that I failed to set the example of but I now understand it and strive to do so. Part of ceasing to be idle is sacrifice. We have to learn how to sacrifice in this life. It is essential to progression. Ask the girls what they can sacrifice this summer to bring them closer to each other and to the gospel. That is good to hear graduation went well, I take it Hillary was able to make it to hers unlike her older brother Warner ha. I still can't believe I didn't go, I must have been really sick. That is too bad about Grandma Knell falling, poor thing. I hope she heals up quickly. Tell her I say hi and that I love her.
My new companion is such a good guy. We get along so well haha. We are always singing and making up words to songs, speaking with outrageous accents, and working hard. It's a good combination i promise. He is a great example of humility and diligence. I will learn much from him. This past week we had our zone leader council where we meet as leadership in the mission at the mission home and discuss different action items. This one really hit on sacrifice, obedience, and policies in the mission. Also I was able to speak on Sunday, first time since being on my mission crazy huh? ha. I spoke on what the role of a member missionary is. It was the first talk I have given without any notes in front of me. I truly had to rely on the Spirit. We also have been doing a lot of tracting lately and with the summer heat comes the summer dress, lets just say my daughters will not be dressing like some of the Texas girls. Satan is truly running rampant. I love this gospel and know that it brings strength into the lives of those who apply it daily. There are no days off in this gospel. We have to be strong Christians just as Elder Christofferson counseled us.
Love Elder Jarman
Guess what I studied about this morning? How it is a commandment from the Lord to cease to be idle. D&C 60:13 so clearly states that. So in the beginning of this summer season I hope and pray that my sisters will understand that. It is something that I failed to set the example of but I now understand it and strive to do so. Part of ceasing to be idle is sacrifice. We have to learn how to sacrifice in this life. It is essential to progression. Ask the girls what they can sacrifice this summer to bring them closer to each other and to the gospel. That is good to hear graduation went well, I take it Hillary was able to make it to hers unlike her older brother Warner ha. I still can't believe I didn't go, I must have been really sick. That is too bad about Grandma Knell falling, poor thing. I hope she heals up quickly. Tell her I say hi and that I love her.
My new companion is such a good guy. We get along so well haha. We are always singing and making up words to songs, speaking with outrageous accents, and working hard. It's a good combination i promise. He is a great example of humility and diligence. I will learn much from him. This past week we had our zone leader council where we meet as leadership in the mission at the mission home and discuss different action items. This one really hit on sacrifice, obedience, and policies in the mission. Also I was able to speak on Sunday, first time since being on my mission crazy huh? ha. I spoke on what the role of a member missionary is. It was the first talk I have given without any notes in front of me. I truly had to rely on the Spirit. We also have been doing a lot of tracting lately and with the summer heat comes the summer dress, lets just say my daughters will not be dressing like some of the Texas girls. Satan is truly running rampant. I love this gospel and know that it brings strength into the lives of those who apply it daily. There are no days off in this gospel. We have to be strong Christians just as Elder Christofferson counseled us.
Love Elder Jarman
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