Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Just a Quick Note

Dear Mom,

I have always loved when you spoke, prayed, or bore your testimony Mom- you are always so powerful and sincere. It has meant a lot to me when you have done those things, so thank you and I am sure you will do so good at the aux training.

I am glad you got the package, I wrote y'all a note in there just a quick little one in case you didn't open it. Also there is a birthday card for Cait in the white one I believe, maybe the brown one I have since forgotten ha. Thanks for the health tips, you are the best mom ever. I love you!

LoveElderJarman

They Think They're a Ferrari

Dad,

Well this past week was very interesting. We lost 9 missionaries to the Houston South mission and I actually just barely missed being reassigned as well. With the new stake boundaries we lost 5 units to the new stake that was created. We lost some stalwart missionaries and they will be missed but what is so great is that they will be doing the same work just as all the missionaries are all around the world. Our new stake Presidency is surprisingly young which is pretty cool. It will be interesting to see how they approach missionary work as all do so differently. Hopefully they will give much aid to the pasadena 2nd ward. In my interview with President yesterday he talked about how difficult the ward is and how disengaged the members are, it's very frustrating. There is no unity between the ward and the missionaries from the ward council and that is the engine that is suppose to drive this machine of missionary work. They think they're a Ferrari when in reality they're a Metro. It's hard too because we really just are here to serve them and help them do their missionary work, we just are here to please them and they aren't even using us. So we spend time doing all that we can to find new investigators and visiting the sick and the elderly, which I love. I pray that a change will take place as far as the attitude of the ward council goes.

That report you gave to the stake presidency was SOOOO good dad holy smokes. For real. Thank you for your hard work and diligence in doing the Lord's work. What would you say is one thing you appreciate from the missionaries. I fear lately pride has held me back from just doing the work without complaint. I have been selfish and worrying too much about what others are doing or not doing and it's been frustrating. I know what I am doing wrong I just don't quite know how to fix it ya know? So please let me know what you would want from me if I were serving in your stake.

I love you dad.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

The Pants are Totally Not Me But the Shirt Was Awesome

Dear Mom,

My week was really good. I had so many opportunities to use my Priesthood. We gave 5 blessings, were part of a baptism, and also a confirmation. It was a very Spirit filled week for me. My mouth problem ended up just being a canker but it still is a downer to my day each day. Is it fixable do you think? I did get the package, thank you so much! The pants are totally not me but the shirt was awesome. The pants fit, but they are just strange to me haha. I'll wear them though. It sounds like you and Dad had a lovely time in Washington! I do miss traveling. It's always nice to hear about places other than Texas to remind me that there's something out there that isn't here ya know? The work is coming along. Our zone had 5 baptisms this past week and have 4 for this weekend planned. Elder Clove and I tracted into a man named Lonnie that is showing a lot of promise. It's been good lately. I am indeed still in Deer Park. I love you Mom!

Elder Jarman

Moroni 8:2

October 21, 2009

Hey Dad,

I most definitely am loving the people here and this great work. In my last zone conference I was able to just be a spectator but felt prompted to bear testimony of this great work we are about and the importance of family. It was a conference focused on using the Book of Mormon in our teaching and when the time came they asked us what some of our favorite scriptures were. I again felt prompted to share something. I read Moroni 8:2 chapter 8 of course is where Mormon writes to his son Moroni about infant baptism and what an abomination it is in the sight of God but what he says in verse 2 really struck me. I bore testimony about the love that you have always shown me and the support you have been to me since my day of birth. It was a really good zone conference for me to reflect on a lot of the good in my life, my family being the greater of those goods.

The 9 year old that I interviewed this past week was indeed baptized! We had 5 baptisms in the zone on Saturday and have 4 scheduled for this weekend! Also I was able to baptize Scarlett Wallace this weekend. It was the first time since Emma that I was the actual baptist so I was a little nervous but it went really well. Fellowship is really the deciding factor, not just in getting someone baptized but in getting someone converted to the restored gospel and wanting to endure faithfully to the end.

Provo had better win. Tell Saia good luck!

To stay in shape Elder Clove and I have been trying to run at least 1 mile every night but due to having to collect information from missionaries or appointments running late we don't always get to. I am looking forward to really hunkering down and getting back to where I want to be physically when I get home. Being in a car my whole mission and eating this incredible Texas food has not been too kind to me.

In other news... we are getting a new Stake Presidency this weekend at Stake Conference here in the Houston East Stake so we had our last SMP meeting with President Smith last night. It will be interesting to see who the Lord has called. Also I believe they are making an entirely new stake but I am not quite sure about that yet.

Love
Elder Jarman

I Really Can't Wait to See Y'all Again

October 14, 2009

Dear Mom,

UEA again eh? That's too bad everyone is going different directions. I am sure that will be kind of nice for you and Dad though to get away for a little bit.

Things are alright. We will be having a baptism this weekend yes, it should be great!

I was wondering about your temple attendance, that's awesome you are still going strong! I really can't wait to see y'all again. 2 years is a long time mom, holy smokes.

Love Elder Jarman

I Love Hearing the Testimonies of Missionaries

October 14, 2009

Hey Dad,

I am having an alright week, not the greatest not the worst. This work is so draining, I have never been more fatigued in all my life. It's also the most uplifting- opposition in all things. October is packed with birthdays holy smokes. I won’t forget about Cait or Grandpa J, 25th and 27th I got it. Are you going to be able to take Grandpa to the BYU Wyoming game this year?

I did hear about the AF Band tragedy. The senior couple I have told you about, the Stephens, they are from AF and filled me in at church. That is terrible.

Well this past week we had a really great zone meeting and tomorrow is zone conference, I really enjoy those meetings. Being around all the missionaries is always a good time. I love hearing the testimonies of missionaries. It's incredible to be a part of this great work and to hear about others and their sacrifices and stories. I love it. I have been reading in 2 Nephi and am now in the Isaiah chapters, it's been really good but I am sure I am missing so much. How have you been able to better understand those chapters in your personal study? Last night I got to interview a 9 year old for baptism, what a special thing that is. I love interviewing for baptism.

I love you Dad!

I Love Being a Part of this Great Latter-day Work

October 7, 2009

Dear Mom,

Conference was so good! I gave Dad the rundown on my favorites but I'll comment on one talk in particular with you. The one Pres. Monson gave on doing good to God's children really struck a chord with me. I am so grateful for the example both you and Dad are of this principle. It is a godly attribute to create time for someone. Our Father in Heaven created our entire existence and we are now in this state of grace to prove worthy to return and live with him again, what a blessing. Now to make time for our brothers and sisters is a smaller scale of that but still it's the same principle, take time to make time. Thank you for always taking time and making time for me and the rest of the family to do things for us. I love you and all you do for me.

You commented on the weather there and how it's getting cold. Well here it's in the high 80's to low 90's still and so humid. I have entirely forgotten what it feels like to be cold I fear.

The work is going good. Things are moving along. We have a couple new investigators: two daughters of an active family that haven't been baptized yet, Angelica who works SO often that it's hard to get in with but when we do it's always so good, and John Boulet who I talked about last week. Also we have a baptism coming up! I was asked by Scarlett Wallace to baptize her on the 17th. She's been taught by both us and the Sisters but mostly the Sisters and wants me to baptize her because I have a 9 year old sister, and she thinks I'm cute haha isn't that adorable? Scarlett is 9 herself and full of energy much like Emma. I love being apart of this great Latter-day work Mom. I know this church is true.

Love
Elder Jarman

You Would Have Thought I Was Watching Reggie Bush's College Highlight Film

October 7, 2009

Hey Dad,

Well I must say that this past Conference will never be forgotten. It was truly wonderful to be able to hear the words of the general authorities of the church. My favorite talks will probably come as no surprise. First was of course the beautiful talk by Elder Holland about the Book of Mormon. He once again takes the cake from my point of view. It was as exciting a talk as it was spiritual. I was so into it haha, you would have thought I was watching Reggie Bush's college highlight film. It was also a very humbling feeling to know that I am standing shoulder to shoulder with some of the greatest blood this world has ever known when I testify of the divinity of the Book of Mormon. Second was President Monson's talk on doing good to God's children. I couldn't help but think about the movie "Pay it Forward" and how small and simple things go such a long way. Also I thank you for your good example of paying it forward that you have been in my life, not all young boys have as good of an example of righteous living as I have had throughout my life. Third was Elder Ballard's talk given in the Priesthood session. I thought of our hikes together, our times on the field or out in the front yard. I am looking forward to growing even closer to you through communication face to face. Fourth was President Uchtdorf's message on work and learning. You again are a great example of both those principles. You don't just give a man the fish you teach a man to fish and I appreciate that. My fifth and final talk I'll comment on (I could go on and on all day) is President Monson's on anger. After emails last week Elder Clove and I went to Wal-Mart to do our shopping and while we were in the act of purchasing shredded cheese this woman approached us "Are you Mormons?" she asked, we with smiles replied "Yes." Then she blew her top. She told us we weren't welcome there and that God would curse us for our stance on gay marriage in California and that we were possessed by the devil and all manner of terrible things. Anger very easily could have set in and taken us both under it's wings, and it did inside of me at least, but outside we stayed calm cool and collect. All we replied to her ranting and raving was "God Bless You." she didn't like that one too much and went off again. We finished our shopping then on our way to the car this same woman comes flying at us in her Buick and pert-near hit us, then she flipped us the bird. I couldn't believe this woman. I am so grateful that we have the truth in our lives and are not blinded by the cunning craftiness of men. Hearing Pres. Monson's words on anger was something I needed to hear though after experiencing that. All in all it was such a blessing to have that spiritual edification that conference always brings. I loved it.

I love you dad. I am doing good. The work is good. We are working with two teenaged girls that are children of an active family but have yet to be baptized. They currently attend a Lutheran church and are at a rebellious stage in life but I am confident that with the Spirit all things are possible. We are also working with a woman named Angelica who works as a nurse downtown. She sees a lot of things that make one wonder about life after this and has been reading the Book of Mormon. Things are looking up.

With the flu season upon us we have been told by the Brethren to not shake any hands or give hugs to anyone, this will be the hardest thing I have been asked to do yet ha. That's what we do as missionaries ya know? It has a wise purpose though I know.

Elder Jarman

Conference Weekend

September 30, 2009

Dear Mom,

I can't believe it's been a dozen years since Olivia was born. What a blessing she is. I know that she is always watching over us and that knowledge helps me to keep on the straight and narrow. The gospel is true I can second that.

I just cannot wait to meet this little Elle y'all have been talking about. I love knowing that I'll be able to meet her soon. She's 7 months old now right?

I still have a cough yeah, and my voice is cracking a lot lately it's terrible. It's like I'm going through puberty all over again. I think it's the air of Pasadena. They say there's more carcinogens on the ground here than anywhere in the USA and possibly the world, comforting I know. At least it's not Chernobyl right?

Conference weekend! I am so so so excited! It's more anticipated than Christmas now. I just love the spirit of the whole weekend. I like going into it with questions, they always get answered. Hopefully we will have a couple investigators with us at the church watching.

All is well. This past week was just what I needed. I have been feeling the weight of the mission pressing down on me lately but this past week just gave me a lot of needed strength. We have a new investigator who is preparing for baptism on Halloween. His name is John and he's really rough and tough on the outside but inside he's such a good guy. He use to be in a motorcycle gang called the banditos and so his past is pretty crazy. He's met with missionaries before and so we have a lot of hopes for him. I love you mom, and hope all is well.

Elder Jarman

Olivia

September 30, 2009

Hey there Dad,

I can't believe it's been over 18 months, it's gone by so fast- in the twinkling of an eye really. I am so grateful for the privilege it is to represent my Savior Jesus Christ and be one of his many "good soldiers". I pray that all the youth of the church will recognize the blessings that await full time missionary service. It's truly an honor. The most humbling experience one can have.

Chase and James... we've dropped them we'll just say. They just tick me right off. Hopefully they'll come around but right now it's just not worth our time sadly. I think I'll be ok with the pants I have but who knows. The attendance and the missionary fireside was an issue meaning that missionaries outnumbered members and non members, that's not how it should be. This ward has a very hard time understanding being unified in the work. They think the missionaries do their thing and the members do theirs. It's challenging but I think we are making some progress. It's interesting to see the difference of the church in different portions of the Lord's vineyard. It's weaker in some places here and also it's stronger in some places here. What's important is unity though, from Texas to Russia it's all the same church and gospel. Oh Dad Sister Berry is such an angel. She is the best meal coordinator of all time. She gets the job done. I love that woman.

I always enjoy hearing about the adventures of baby Elle. It sounds like she is growing up so much already and staying healthy. I can't wait to meet the little bundle of joy.

I can't believe Olivia would be 12 today. I am so grateful for the gospel and the peace and comfort it brings. I was able to bear my testimony very strongly on the plan of salvation this past week to a woman who lost a child to miscarriage. I promised her that she would see that child again and know the joys of being her mother. I was able to read D&C 137:10 to her as well and the spirit was there with us all.

Thank you for all you do Dad, I love you!

Elder Jarman

I Am Actually Learning A Lot Out Here in Texas

September 23, 2009

Mooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooom!

Hi! Man oh man y'all love that baby Elle. I can't wait to meet her and see what all the fuss is about. I can't believe how old she is getting.

It sounds like you had a great FHE. I am so sorry about my attitude in FHE in the past, what a blessing it was to have it even. We attended the Correia family's FHE this week and it brought back a flood of memories. It was a blast! The world we live in is very crass you're right and it's everywhere too even in happy valley. It doesn't matter where you live but how you live that affects your righteousness and righteous desires. I am learning about that as I read through 1 nephi. In chapter 20 especially. The Holy City wasn't so holy by deed, just word. Talk is cheap.

Things be good here. My health is well, I have a cough right now for some reason and people here in the library keep looking at me funny for it, but it's ok. It takes a big man to realize just how small he is I have come to realize. The Cantu's cancelled last week due to marital problems. Financial honesty is very important I have come to learn. See I am actually learning a lot out here in Texas, who'd a thunk.

I love you mom! I love this church and need to bring myself time and time again to remembrance that it is not the people that are perfect but the organization. It's easy to get offended but it's not worth it.

Love Elder Jarman

Love Through Serving and Serving out of Love

September 23, 2009

Hey Dad!


Another week gone, I can't believe it. The past seven days were really good. We were able to get in with Chase and James and teach the word of wisdom as well as about the Atonement. I gave James some slacks cause he said he didn't have any and to eliminate that excuse I just gave him some of mine so they came to church this past Sunday looking pretty sharp. It was good to see them there. The tri mission conference was incredible, I got to see Elder Brown again from the Houston mission- he's only got 4 months left! Elder Costa spoke about the 70, mission presidents, and missionaries. Also Elder Richardson of the 70 spoke. The missionary fireside too went well but attendance was an issue.

Brennen is home, crazy. He seems like he would be a great missionary. I can echo his loving the people he served. It's what God wants us to do, love through serving and serving out of love.

Grandma sounds like shes in the same boat as Sister Berry here. Sis. Berry is 84 and we visit her quite often. She has been in the hospital the past few days. In fact just two days ago Elder Clove and I spent 2 hours with her just talking and listening to her. She's a hoot! We also got to give her a blessing. She was born and raised in Arkansas and told us she use to love scaring people in her youth, I love hearing her stories. She told us all God wants is for us to trust Him. She's a great example of charity and humility to me. While laying in her bed she talked about how Christ and Joseph Smith died lonely deaths and recognized what a blessing it is to be tended to by doctors and nurses and have visits from us. Everyone that came in to the room she introduced us to as her friends. I love that woman. I hope grandma is feeling better soon, I love her too!

I love you Dad! This is a very tough work but it's so worth it.

Elder Jarman