Dad,
You're the man I want to be someday Dad. I know that these two years in Texas will help me in my eternal pursuit of happy-ness. They have helped me become more like you and more like my Eternal Father. I know that the mission is a gift and I am so grateful to have been able to serve. I really can't believe I am to this point in my life. I am sure that while you were on your mission there were days that you thought would never end and days that you wished would never end, it's a wonderful thing to serve- good days and bad. I know that if I apply the things I have learned here I will be alright in life. I have never loved an experience more than serving the Lord. It's only my mission because it's me serving it, but I know that this is tuly the Lord's mission and that I am just an instrument in his hands. Your words have been comforting, encouraging, humbling, and uplifting from day one and have helped me so much to remember who I am and what my purpose is. My testimony of this gospel has never been more sure, that it is the true gospel of the true Savior. This church is the only true and living church on this earth and is the greatest cultivator of faith in Christ known to man. The Atonement is so real! It is what everything is all about. This past week as well as the past two years have helped me in gaining this testimony. Lately we've really been focusing on getting a solid teaching pool and after this last week we can say mission accomplished. We are now teaching the Honeycutt family, Loyd Dean, the Alkentar family, the Hull family, Catie, Ann, Mike, and a plethera of less active members. It's been amazing to see this area come alive so to speak. Now for the harvesting part. I have faith that Elder Salisbury and whoever he gets will see the fruits of this labor. I am so excited! I would prefer to be released by Pres Warner as well so if at all possible I would like that to be the case. I hope he's in town, but if not then one of his counselors will suffice. I checked on prices to ship the bike home and it will be anywhere from 35 to 50 dollars if I go FedEx or UPS. I loved Elder Choi's talk! I always think of the ability one has to change when I hear it. I love you dad and I can't wait to see you next week! What a great time in life. The mission has gone by like a dream. It has been the greatest honor to wear the tag!
Love
Elder Jarman
Mom!
Yeah, wow, ummm, hmmmm... Not really sure what to think ha. Serving a mission has been the greatest decision I have ever made. I have never felt this kind of joy before which, consequently, has given me a never before felt sense of worth- until this time. Two years has gone by and it has been as a dream. Meeting amazing people everywhere I go, not by coincidence or chance but by appointment, has been one of my favorite things. To be able to look someone in the eye and tell them I am a personal representative of Jesus Christ is something I will cherish forever. I have memories of tracting in the summer sun dripping with sweat, serving the people of southeast Texas during Hurricane Ike, reading Alma 32 to a teenager whose eyes swell with tears because of the Spirit, gaining friendships that will last through the eternities, and having to work like never before to grow my faith while strengthening the faith of others- that seem like they just happened yesterday. I have never done anything up to this point in my life that can compare to what I have done these past two years. To put it simply I have loved my time to serve the Lord and His children in this portion of His vineyard. Thank you for all the love and support and sacrifces you have made! I love you mom! I can't wait to see you.
Love
Elder Jarman
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Faith
March 3, 2010
Dad!
Happy birthday to Elle Sophia indeed! The big 0-1! March 4th will be a great day for that young one I am sure. I am looking forward with great anticipation for the time that I get to meet her for the first time.
Sadly Greg and his wife didn't accept, but we are still going to be working with them! They are great people who I am sure will accept baptism soon. We have found a lot of people who are searching for the gospel lately. Ray is still out of town but we met his grandson Clay yesterday and will begin teaching him. There is a man named Loyd (with one L) who was a media referral that we are teaching. Also a few others. The Lord is pouring His blessings down upon the Texas Houston East Mission. We have really been focusing on building our faith so miracles can happen and that is what is occurring. We have had 66 baptisms as a mission this year and at this same time last year we had 35. I know that our mission can and will double baptisms this year. We have been focusing on the Book of Mormon a lot lately and this time through it we are highlighting every time Jesus Christ's name or one of His titles appears, pronouns included. It's incredible how central He is to the Book of Mormon.
What an honor that will be to speak alongside Sam Reed! He is a great example to me and always has been. I remember seeing him in the MTC and what a joy it was. You could tell that he was going to do amazing things in Taiwan. Do you know what my topic will be? I don't know what the cost will be to ship the bike home but I'll get on that. That was so nice of the Scarpinos to say hi, tell them hi back ha. I love that family. Sister Scarpino is on my mind quite often.
That is so awesome Hillary got her blessing! I have grown to love my patriarchal blessing on my mission. I actually had a dream some time ago in which you had asked if I'd read my blessing lately, for the next few months I read it everyday and it benefitted me greatly. It is such a comfort in times of trial.
I can't wait to see you and the family again Dad. What an incredible blessing it has been to serve a mission but I am ready to come home. I will do all I can to fulfill my purpose up to the last step in Texas.
I read an ensign article from the February issue by Elder Bednar that really outlined one of many blessings of my mission. That is I have learned to love learning. I look forward everyday to studying the scriptures and experiencing new things that allow me to grow. I know that this life is about learning and preparing and my mission has been the best thing I could have done to benefit me in those two categories. I love this work. I love you dad.
Elder Jarman
Dad!
Happy birthday to Elle Sophia indeed! The big 0-1! March 4th will be a great day for that young one I am sure. I am looking forward with great anticipation for the time that I get to meet her for the first time.
Sadly Greg and his wife didn't accept, but we are still going to be working with them! They are great people who I am sure will accept baptism soon. We have found a lot of people who are searching for the gospel lately. Ray is still out of town but we met his grandson Clay yesterday and will begin teaching him. There is a man named Loyd (with one L) who was a media referral that we are teaching. Also a few others. The Lord is pouring His blessings down upon the Texas Houston East Mission. We have really been focusing on building our faith so miracles can happen and that is what is occurring. We have had 66 baptisms as a mission this year and at this same time last year we had 35. I know that our mission can and will double baptisms this year. We have been focusing on the Book of Mormon a lot lately and this time through it we are highlighting every time Jesus Christ's name or one of His titles appears, pronouns included. It's incredible how central He is to the Book of Mormon.
What an honor that will be to speak alongside Sam Reed! He is a great example to me and always has been. I remember seeing him in the MTC and what a joy it was. You could tell that he was going to do amazing things in Taiwan. Do you know what my topic will be? I don't know what the cost will be to ship the bike home but I'll get on that. That was so nice of the Scarpinos to say hi, tell them hi back ha. I love that family. Sister Scarpino is on my mind quite often.
That is so awesome Hillary got her blessing! I have grown to love my patriarchal blessing on my mission. I actually had a dream some time ago in which you had asked if I'd read my blessing lately, for the next few months I read it everyday and it benefitted me greatly. It is such a comfort in times of trial.
I can't wait to see you and the family again Dad. What an incredible blessing it has been to serve a mission but I am ready to come home. I will do all I can to fulfill my purpose up to the last step in Texas.
I read an ensign article from the February issue by Elder Bednar that really outlined one of many blessings of my mission. That is I have learned to love learning. I look forward everyday to studying the scriptures and experiencing new things that allow me to grow. I know that this life is about learning and preparing and my mission has been the best thing I could have done to benefit me in those two categories. I love this work. I love you dad.
Elder Jarman
You Can't Just Go Through The Motions
March 3, 2010
MOM...
This past week was pleasent. We continue to work hard and are really focusing on finding the searchers and filling our teaching pool. My goal is to have at least 5 progressing investigators and 3 with baptismal dates by the time I leave. I have faith that it will happen. We have found a lot of people here lately that have shown me faith is vital in this work. You can't just go through the motions. It was freezing cold yesterday and Elder Salisbury and I were out knocking doors. We were just about to stop and go get some food then we decided on one more door. That door we knocked provided us with a young single mom who is searching. I can't wait to go back and teach her. The spirit is real and as we obey his promptings we are blessed.
Really my mind is going in so many directions. I have loved serving here in Texas. I think the greatest things I have learned are sacrifice brings forth the blessings of Heaven, obedience brings peace and security, love for people, to love learning, and that this church is true Jesus is the Christ and God lives and loves me. People amaze me Mom, for the good and the bad. I am so excited to just talk with you face to face. I know that my relationship with you and dad will be so much more open. I can't wait for that.
I love you. I will see you in two weeks.
Elder Jarman
MOM...
This past week was pleasent. We continue to work hard and are really focusing on finding the searchers and filling our teaching pool. My goal is to have at least 5 progressing investigators and 3 with baptismal dates by the time I leave. I have faith that it will happen. We have found a lot of people here lately that have shown me faith is vital in this work. You can't just go through the motions. It was freezing cold yesterday and Elder Salisbury and I were out knocking doors. We were just about to stop and go get some food then we decided on one more door. That door we knocked provided us with a young single mom who is searching. I can't wait to go back and teach her. The spirit is real and as we obey his promptings we are blessed.
Really my mind is going in so many directions. I have loved serving here in Texas. I think the greatest things I have learned are sacrifice brings forth the blessings of Heaven, obedience brings peace and security, love for people, to love learning, and that this church is true Jesus is the Christ and God lives and loves me. People amaze me Mom, for the good and the bad. I am so excited to just talk with you face to face. I know that my relationship with you and dad will be so much more open. I can't wait for that.
I love you. I will see you in two weeks.
Elder Jarman
The Church Is So True
February 24, 2010
Hey!
I truly am enjoying life right now and serving with a great companion has helped so much. Ray has actually been in Amarillo Texas for the past week and gets back on Thursday or Friday, I have been able to keep in contact with him just over the phone- he still wants us to come by when he's home so that's good. Elder Salisbury and I had a really good experience with the referral system last week. We get referrals via text now and we got this one for a man named Greg. We go over there thinking that he requested us to stop by, but no that wasnt the case. He had a Marilyn Manson t shirt on and at first didn't seem too happy to see us, BUT we did make the most out of the situation and he actually invited us in and said that he and his family are searching for a good church that places high importance on the family... hmmm... I would say we fit that bill. So we talked with Greg and his wife for about two hours about the Restoration and focused on how the restored gospel blesses families, it went amazingly well. We are actually going by tonight and are going to set a baptismal date with them. The Lord works in mysterious ways. We still don't know who referred us to him, and neither does he. There are so many good Christians down here Dad, it's incredible. I have really grown in respect for our friends of other faiths. Through the many Baptists, Lutherans, Methodists, Catholics, Jehovah's Witnesses, Pentecostals, and others I have grown my faith in Christ as my personal Savior. Being a member of the only true and living church on the earth is such a blessing and knowing that I have the fulness of the gospel is humbling. What we have is the greatest most powerful way to live, now we just gotta do it! There was a talk given on Sunday by one of the members of the High Council and he asked us if we had a bottle of cure all pills who would we give one to. Of course I immediately scrolled through all those that were closest to me with ailments then worked my way outward to really everyone and anyone who had a problem. If I had that type of antidote I would do all I could to give it to ALL the world, I really would. Then he told us we have something even greater than that in the fulness of the gospel, something that cures not just the physical struggles but the spiritual ones too-- and for eternity. It hit me how important missionary work is, not just for this two year period either but until the day we die.
The church is so true! It always strengthens my testimony when I remember we are a worldwide church and that the lesson I am receiving here in Pasadena is the same one y'all are receiving in Provo, what great unity. I love it. So many people are blown away by that concept. Churches down here are so independent from each other, even those of the same denomination. I still can't believe how many churches there are down here, it's insane! We pass probably 15 different church houses on our way to church.
I will go ahead and send the bike home if I can fix the left pedal. It's a long story, but when Diggy got transferred from Jasper to Channelview (opposite ends of the mission) the McDaniels (our host family) accidentally took my bike instead of his to give to him. Well it ended up getting a big bolt shoved in where the left pedal use to be, don't ask me how or why ha. I'll do what I can though.
Oh Elder Draper and I weren't planning on seeing eachother until after our release so no worries there.
It would be ideal to be released as soon as possible I think. I really just want my family at the airport to be honest, it will be a very tender moment for me and the fam to have that very near sacred reunion I think. Lunch sounds great! I really couldn't tell you where though so please you and the family choose. Let's make sure a location is chosen prior to crunch time so we don't waste time picking somewhere's. I can't wait! Until then I will continue finding and teaching the Father's children that they may enjoy the blessing of baptism. I love you dad!
ELdEr JarMAN
Hey!
I truly am enjoying life right now and serving with a great companion has helped so much. Ray has actually been in Amarillo Texas for the past week and gets back on Thursday or Friday, I have been able to keep in contact with him just over the phone- he still wants us to come by when he's home so that's good. Elder Salisbury and I had a really good experience with the referral system last week. We get referrals via text now and we got this one for a man named Greg. We go over there thinking that he requested us to stop by, but no that wasnt the case. He had a Marilyn Manson t shirt on and at first didn't seem too happy to see us, BUT we did make the most out of the situation and he actually invited us in and said that he and his family are searching for a good church that places high importance on the family... hmmm... I would say we fit that bill. So we talked with Greg and his wife for about two hours about the Restoration and focused on how the restored gospel blesses families, it went amazingly well. We are actually going by tonight and are going to set a baptismal date with them. The Lord works in mysterious ways. We still don't know who referred us to him, and neither does he. There are so many good Christians down here Dad, it's incredible. I have really grown in respect for our friends of other faiths. Through the many Baptists, Lutherans, Methodists, Catholics, Jehovah's Witnesses, Pentecostals, and others I have grown my faith in Christ as my personal Savior. Being a member of the only true and living church on the earth is such a blessing and knowing that I have the fulness of the gospel is humbling. What we have is the greatest most powerful way to live, now we just gotta do it! There was a talk given on Sunday by one of the members of the High Council and he asked us if we had a bottle of cure all pills who would we give one to. Of course I immediately scrolled through all those that were closest to me with ailments then worked my way outward to really everyone and anyone who had a problem. If I had that type of antidote I would do all I could to give it to ALL the world, I really would. Then he told us we have something even greater than that in the fulness of the gospel, something that cures not just the physical struggles but the spiritual ones too-- and for eternity. It hit me how important missionary work is, not just for this two year period either but until the day we die.
The church is so true! It always strengthens my testimony when I remember we are a worldwide church and that the lesson I am receiving here in Pasadena is the same one y'all are receiving in Provo, what great unity. I love it. So many people are blown away by that concept. Churches down here are so independent from each other, even those of the same denomination. I still can't believe how many churches there are down here, it's insane! We pass probably 15 different church houses on our way to church.
I will go ahead and send the bike home if I can fix the left pedal. It's a long story, but when Diggy got transferred from Jasper to Channelview (opposite ends of the mission) the McDaniels (our host family) accidentally took my bike instead of his to give to him. Well it ended up getting a big bolt shoved in where the left pedal use to be, don't ask me how or why ha. I'll do what I can though.
Oh Elder Draper and I weren't planning on seeing eachother until after our release so no worries there.
It would be ideal to be released as soon as possible I think. I really just want my family at the airport to be honest, it will be a very tender moment for me and the fam to have that very near sacred reunion I think. Lunch sounds great! I really couldn't tell you where though so please you and the family choose. Let's make sure a location is chosen prior to crunch time so we don't waste time picking somewhere's. I can't wait! Until then I will continue finding and teaching the Father's children that they may enjoy the blessing of baptism. I love you dad!
ELdEr JarMAN
"I Love This Work"
February 24, 2010
Mom,
It is going really well! Elder Salisbury and I continue to work really hard and have a lot of fun. I wouldn't want to finish my mission any other way. I love this work and have really appreciated all the love and support that I have received over these two years from you, the family, and friends. I know that this is the best thing I could have been doing with my time. I am grateful everyday for the gift of life, what a marvelous opportunity we have all been given-- not just some of us but all of us have the potential to become like God... wow. I have been able to talk to Ray via telephone but that's it. He has been in Amarillo for work so we'll have to catch up with him later in the week. I really am working hard and doing my best. It's pretty tough to remain focused towards the end but I feel I have been able to through the power of prayer and with the help of a great companion in Elder Salisbury. I can't believe my time here is almost up. It's gone by like a dream.
That is so crazy that William Young got his call, he's just a young buck... woah! Good for him and for all the others who are in his shoes. That's awesome.
The time is fast approaching Mother, can you believe it? I will see you in just a few weeks!
Love
Elder Jarman
Mom,
It is going really well! Elder Salisbury and I continue to work really hard and have a lot of fun. I wouldn't want to finish my mission any other way. I love this work and have really appreciated all the love and support that I have received over these two years from you, the family, and friends. I know that this is the best thing I could have been doing with my time. I am grateful everyday for the gift of life, what a marvelous opportunity we have all been given-- not just some of us but all of us have the potential to become like God... wow. I have been able to talk to Ray via telephone but that's it. He has been in Amarillo for work so we'll have to catch up with him later in the week. I really am working hard and doing my best. It's pretty tough to remain focused towards the end but I feel I have been able to through the power of prayer and with the help of a great companion in Elder Salisbury. I can't believe my time here is almost up. It's gone by like a dream.
That is so crazy that William Young got his call, he's just a young buck... woah! Good for him and for all the others who are in his shoes. That's awesome.
The time is fast approaching Mother, can you believe it? I will see you in just a few weeks!
Love
Elder Jarman
"I Didn't Even Know the Olympics Were Happening"
February 17, 2010
Dad!
It's incredible the amount of love I have for my family. I truly appreciate all that all of you do, the prayers, the emails, the letters, the packages, everything- just thank you. I have to admit I didn't even know that the olympics were happening until like a few days ago haha, that is sweet y'all are watching them together. I remember my last Super Bowl at home watching it with the fam, that was the best part- being with y'all. Not to mention it was one of the greatest games of all time ha. Thank you for sharing the ward goal for this year. Pondering is something that President Moldenhauer tells us to do all the time. I can definitely improve on my pondering skills. I allow myself to get distracted or anxious and it's not good. I am excited to be able to go home to a spiritual environment where love is spoken.
Elder Salisbury and I have really been blessed this past week. We were on exchanges with the assistants and I was able to go with my former companion Elder Clove. We had an incredible day. We were tracting and some how or another we were prompted to cross the street and knock on a certain door. A man named Ray opened up and wasn't too thrilled to see us. The spirit gave us both words to say that softened his heart and like a clam he opened up and gave us a pearl. He told us he was a recovering alcoholic and a member of AA currently and that we would be wasting our time, but we both knew that we weren't at all. We explained the church's great love and actual correlation for and with the AA program. While we were talking to him I noticed he kept grabbing his chest and asked about it, he told us that he was in severe pain and that he'd be admitting himself to the hospital later on in the day. I was able to tell him a little about the Priesthood and that Elder Clove and I had the authority given to us from God to administer to him. I have never done this before but I felt that this is what the Spirit was prompting me to do. He accepted the offer to have us give him a blessing and Elder Clove was able to read a few verses from James 5 further explaining the process. It was a great experience to give him that blessing. After that he asked us if we could come back and teach him more, we of course said yes. Miracles are happening, hearts are being softened, and blessings are being poured out on this mission. I love this work. I called Ray just yesterday to set another appointment up but he is currently out of town until next week. We will stay close to him and do all we can for him. Also, I got a sweet package from the family and also Ali for Valentines Day. Oh! Elder Salisbury's mom fandangled a way to overnight deliver us Cafe' Rio and we got that this morning, so that is what we are eating for lunch ha. I gave my final testimony at my final zone conference yesterday and was able to let the missionaries know how incredible the mission experience is, and to not let the small and simple blessings pass them by.
The 17th of March will be an amazing day. I am soooo excited to see you and the family. I doubt I have dry eyes for that tender moment. In preparation for that monumental occasion I do have a few questions: do you want me to send my bike home or sell it to an incoming missionary or donate it to the mission? what's the plan for that day? My close friend Elder Draper and I are planning to have a little time to take a deep breath together some time during that day and just soak in what has happened these past two years. that's it ha.
I love you dad, you're the best man I know.
Elder Jarman
Dad!
It's incredible the amount of love I have for my family. I truly appreciate all that all of you do, the prayers, the emails, the letters, the packages, everything- just thank you. I have to admit I didn't even know that the olympics were happening until like a few days ago haha, that is sweet y'all are watching them together. I remember my last Super Bowl at home watching it with the fam, that was the best part- being with y'all. Not to mention it was one of the greatest games of all time ha. Thank you for sharing the ward goal for this year. Pondering is something that President Moldenhauer tells us to do all the time. I can definitely improve on my pondering skills. I allow myself to get distracted or anxious and it's not good. I am excited to be able to go home to a spiritual environment where love is spoken.
Elder Salisbury and I have really been blessed this past week. We were on exchanges with the assistants and I was able to go with my former companion Elder Clove. We had an incredible day. We were tracting and some how or another we were prompted to cross the street and knock on a certain door. A man named Ray opened up and wasn't too thrilled to see us. The spirit gave us both words to say that softened his heart and like a clam he opened up and gave us a pearl. He told us he was a recovering alcoholic and a member of AA currently and that we would be wasting our time, but we both knew that we weren't at all. We explained the church's great love and actual correlation for and with the AA program. While we were talking to him I noticed he kept grabbing his chest and asked about it, he told us that he was in severe pain and that he'd be admitting himself to the hospital later on in the day. I was able to tell him a little about the Priesthood and that Elder Clove and I had the authority given to us from God to administer to him. I have never done this before but I felt that this is what the Spirit was prompting me to do. He accepted the offer to have us give him a blessing and Elder Clove was able to read a few verses from James 5 further explaining the process. It was a great experience to give him that blessing. After that he asked us if we could come back and teach him more, we of course said yes. Miracles are happening, hearts are being softened, and blessings are being poured out on this mission. I love this work. I called Ray just yesterday to set another appointment up but he is currently out of town until next week. We will stay close to him and do all we can for him. Also, I got a sweet package from the family and also Ali for Valentines Day. Oh! Elder Salisbury's mom fandangled a way to overnight deliver us Cafe' Rio and we got that this morning, so that is what we are eating for lunch ha. I gave my final testimony at my final zone conference yesterday and was able to let the missionaries know how incredible the mission experience is, and to not let the small and simple blessings pass them by.
The 17th of March will be an amazing day. I am soooo excited to see you and the family. I doubt I have dry eyes for that tender moment. In preparation for that monumental occasion I do have a few questions: do you want me to send my bike home or sell it to an incoming missionary or donate it to the mission? what's the plan for that day? My close friend Elder Draper and I are planning to have a little time to take a deep breath together some time during that day and just soak in what has happened these past two years. that's it ha.
I love you dad, you're the best man I know.
Elder Jarman
Miracles Are Happening
February 17, 2010
Dear Mom!
You are the greatest. I was looking at your picture the other day and just thinking how awesome you are and how excited I am to see you again. I love you.
Elder Salisbury and I have really been blessed this past week. We were on exchanges with the assistants and I was able to go with my former companion Elder Clove. We had an incredible day. We were tracting and some how or another we were prompted to cross the street and knock on a certain door. A man named Ray opened up and wasn't too thrilled to see us. The spirit gave us both words to say that softened his heart and like a clam he opened up and gave us a pearl. He told us he was a recovering alcoholic and a member of AA currently and that we would be wasting our time, but we both knew that we weren't at all. We explained the church's great love and actual correlation for and with the AA program. While we were talking to him I noticed he kept grabbing his chest and asked about it, he told us that he was in severe pain and that he'd be admitting himself to the hospital later on in the day. I was able to tell him a little about the Priesthood and that Elder Clove and I had the authority given to us from God to administer to him. I have never done this before but I felt that this is what the Spirit was prompting me to do. He accepted the offer to have us give him a blessing and Elder Clove was able to read a few verses from James 5 further explaining the process. It was a great experience to give him that blessing. After that he asked us if we could come back and teach him more, we of course said yes. Miracles are happening, hearts are being softened, and blessings are being poured out on this mission. I love this work. I called Ray just yesterday to set another appointment up but he is currently out of town until next week. We will stay close to him and do all we can for him. Also, I got a sweet package from the family and also Ali for Valentines Day. Oh! Elder Salisbury's mom fandangled a way to overnight deliver us Cafe' Rio and we got that this morning, so that is what we are eating for lunch ha. I gave my final testimony at my final zone conference yesterday and was able to let the missionaries know how incredible the mission experience is, and to not let the small and simple blessings pass them by.
I agree with you, the last four weeks are going to fly by. The mission is the greatest thing I have ever done. I know that God loves me and that the Atonement is real. The lessons I have learned here in Texas will stay with me forever. This last transfer is so trippy! It doesn't seem like a reality. It sounds like things back home continue to press on. How is Tyler doing? Fill me in on what the heck is going down when I get home I want to know about stuff. Do we have summer plans?
I love you!
Elder Jarman
Dear Mom!
You are the greatest. I was looking at your picture the other day and just thinking how awesome you are and how excited I am to see you again. I love you.
Elder Salisbury and I have really been blessed this past week. We were on exchanges with the assistants and I was able to go with my former companion Elder Clove. We had an incredible day. We were tracting and some how or another we were prompted to cross the street and knock on a certain door. A man named Ray opened up and wasn't too thrilled to see us. The spirit gave us both words to say that softened his heart and like a clam he opened up and gave us a pearl. He told us he was a recovering alcoholic and a member of AA currently and that we would be wasting our time, but we both knew that we weren't at all. We explained the church's great love and actual correlation for and with the AA program. While we were talking to him I noticed he kept grabbing his chest and asked about it, he told us that he was in severe pain and that he'd be admitting himself to the hospital later on in the day. I was able to tell him a little about the Priesthood and that Elder Clove and I had the authority given to us from God to administer to him. I have never done this before but I felt that this is what the Spirit was prompting me to do. He accepted the offer to have us give him a blessing and Elder Clove was able to read a few verses from James 5 further explaining the process. It was a great experience to give him that blessing. After that he asked us if we could come back and teach him more, we of course said yes. Miracles are happening, hearts are being softened, and blessings are being poured out on this mission. I love this work. I called Ray just yesterday to set another appointment up but he is currently out of town until next week. We will stay close to him and do all we can for him. Also, I got a sweet package from the family and also Ali for Valentines Day. Oh! Elder Salisbury's mom fandangled a way to overnight deliver us Cafe' Rio and we got that this morning, so that is what we are eating for lunch ha. I gave my final testimony at my final zone conference yesterday and was able to let the missionaries know how incredible the mission experience is, and to not let the small and simple blessings pass them by.
I agree with you, the last four weeks are going to fly by. The mission is the greatest thing I have ever done. I know that God loves me and that the Atonement is real. The lessons I have learned here in Texas will stay with me forever. This last transfer is so trippy! It doesn't seem like a reality. It sounds like things back home continue to press on. How is Tyler doing? Fill me in on what the heck is going down when I get home I want to know about stuff. Do we have summer plans?
I love you!
Elder Jarman
"Faith Isn't a Feelinf, It's a Decision"
February 10, 2010
Hey Dad,
I did get that forward haha, oh goodnes... I have yet to receive any valentines day package though, i'll be looking for it. Yup, I will be finishing up here in the Pasadena 2nd ward. I have done my best to cultivate righteous relationships with the members in each area that I've served in. That is pretty sweet you only served in 3 areas. To be able to serve in Deer Park 7 1/2 months has been an incredible blessing and to able to end my service here with Elder Salisbury adds immensely to that blessing. I love Elder Salisbury like a brother. He and I have a very open and healthy relationship. I feel more unified with him than any other companion I have served with before. When we contact or teach the Spirit is so strong, it's wonderful.
Something on my mind today is faith. Gordon B. Hinckley said "Faith isn't a feeling it's a decision." and I couldn't agree more. Faith is the main ingredient of a miracle, coupled with felt need and prayer. I know that the greatest ways to exercise faith are reading the scriptures, praying, and attending church. We have to learn in this life to walk by faith rather than by sight and if we aren't exercising it then it's deteriorating. I am thankful for the faith that I do have and for the ability I have on my mission to strengthen that faith. These two years are like taking spiritual steroids. It's incredible to look back over the path of my mission and see the growth that has occurred. It's liberating. I have never been more dedicated to something in my entire life. I have never experienced something so humbling either. Elder Salisbury and I are blessed each day to be able to go out and try our faith to find. Lately people seem to be opening up and we seem to be able to connect with them. We met a woman named Lydia and I was able to tell her my mother's name is Lydia and how it's the most beautiful name in the world. We have a return appointment with her! Really we do a lot of tracting. Nobody has really caught on fire yet, but I have faith that it will happen soon. That is SOO cool about the Cornish family! I am sure it was a great experience for all involved to see Jeremy be baptized. As far as any ward training ideas go something that I have enjoyed doing with members is sharing short messages on different gospel related topics (faith, prayer, repentance, God's love... etc) . We share 20 minute lessons with the family and then at the end we ask them who came to mind that could join us next time we come over. During the next visit, assuming they invited a non member, we share relatively the same thing- a short powerful lesson- then we pray and leave. This allows the member and their friend to talk about what we've shared and the spirit guides the way. The hope is that we will be able to eventually teach the non member friend the full on pmg lessons required before baptism. Just a side note is I've found that when we as missionaries share a lesson and then "hang out" with the members that spiritual experience we've just shared is almost nullified. It's important to not offend the Spirit.
That is so great about FHE! I am really looking forward to FHE when I get home. My patriarchal blessing speaks very powerfully about FHE in regard to my own family that I will have and I know that I can learn so much from you and mom about how to do it right. I know that this church is true. I know God loves me. I know much is expected of all of us as hopeful joint heirs with Christ. I know I need a Savior and better than ever understand the Atonement but have so much more to learn. I love you dad.
Elder Jarman
Hey Dad,
I did get that forward haha, oh goodnes... I have yet to receive any valentines day package though, i'll be looking for it. Yup, I will be finishing up here in the Pasadena 2nd ward. I have done my best to cultivate righteous relationships with the members in each area that I've served in. That is pretty sweet you only served in 3 areas. To be able to serve in Deer Park 7 1/2 months has been an incredible blessing and to able to end my service here with Elder Salisbury adds immensely to that blessing. I love Elder Salisbury like a brother. He and I have a very open and healthy relationship. I feel more unified with him than any other companion I have served with before. When we contact or teach the Spirit is so strong, it's wonderful.
Something on my mind today is faith. Gordon B. Hinckley said "Faith isn't a feeling it's a decision." and I couldn't agree more. Faith is the main ingredient of a miracle, coupled with felt need and prayer. I know that the greatest ways to exercise faith are reading the scriptures, praying, and attending church. We have to learn in this life to walk by faith rather than by sight and if we aren't exercising it then it's deteriorating. I am thankful for the faith that I do have and for the ability I have on my mission to strengthen that faith. These two years are like taking spiritual steroids. It's incredible to look back over the path of my mission and see the growth that has occurred. It's liberating. I have never been more dedicated to something in my entire life. I have never experienced something so humbling either. Elder Salisbury and I are blessed each day to be able to go out and try our faith to find. Lately people seem to be opening up and we seem to be able to connect with them. We met a woman named Lydia and I was able to tell her my mother's name is Lydia and how it's the most beautiful name in the world. We have a return appointment with her! Really we do a lot of tracting. Nobody has really caught on fire yet, but I have faith that it will happen soon. That is SOO cool about the Cornish family! I am sure it was a great experience for all involved to see Jeremy be baptized. As far as any ward training ideas go something that I have enjoyed doing with members is sharing short messages on different gospel related topics (faith, prayer, repentance, God's love... etc) . We share 20 minute lessons with the family and then at the end we ask them who came to mind that could join us next time we come over. During the next visit, assuming they invited a non member, we share relatively the same thing- a short powerful lesson- then we pray and leave. This allows the member and their friend to talk about what we've shared and the spirit guides the way. The hope is that we will be able to eventually teach the non member friend the full on pmg lessons required before baptism. Just a side note is I've found that when we as missionaries share a lesson and then "hang out" with the members that spiritual experience we've just shared is almost nullified. It's important to not offend the Spirit.
That is so great about FHE! I am really looking forward to FHE when I get home. My patriarchal blessing speaks very powerfully about FHE in regard to my own family that I will have and I know that I can learn so much from you and mom about how to do it right. I know that this church is true. I know God loves me. I know much is expected of all of us as hopeful joint heirs with Christ. I know I need a Savior and better than ever understand the Atonement but have so much more to learn. I love you dad.
Elder Jarman
I Need Righteous Influences in My Life
February 10, 2010
Mom!~
I did get a new email address, it's this one I am writing to you from. That is so great you saw Alex! I can't wait to hang out with him. I have decided that I need righteous influences in my life. I love knowing that I have so many good friends that watch out for me. I am in constant need of reproof haha. Alex is one such friend that I know will always do what's right. Elder Salisbury is the same way, what a great person! I can't say enough good about him. He is one of my favorite missionaries. We are getting a lot of work done and will be blessed if we continue working hard and being obedient. I have yet to get any package but I will keep my eyes open for sure. I love you mom!
Elder Jarman
Mom!~
I did get a new email address, it's this one I am writing to you from. That is so great you saw Alex! I can't wait to hang out with him. I have decided that I need righteous influences in my life. I love knowing that I have so many good friends that watch out for me. I am in constant need of reproof haha. Alex is one such friend that I know will always do what's right. Elder Salisbury is the same way, what a great person! I can't say enough good about him. He is one of my favorite missionaries. We are getting a lot of work done and will be blessed if we continue working hard and being obedient. I have yet to get any package but I will keep my eyes open for sure. I love you mom!
Elder Jarman
The Rescue
February 3, 2010
Hey Dad,
I am so happy right now. For my last transfer I will be staying in Deer Park but I have been assigned a new companion, Elder Salisbury of Sandy Utah! He and I go wayyyy back to my Jasper days. He was one of the six that spent our hurricaine Ike experience together. Needless to say I am very excited to be his companion. He has always been one of those missionaries that I've felt a solid connection with, he's almost like the little brother I never had. We have a lot of work to do and goals to accomplish. The investigators that we have right now are looking promising but they always do. We are focusing on finding the searchers, so I pray we will be led to them. Raul is a good guy we tracted into that we will going over and teaching on Sundays. He is a really humble genuinely nice man who wants what is best for his family. The Smith's are back on the radar but still so so busy with work and school that fitting us into their already hectic lives will be quite a sacrifice but as we know sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven. Glenn Hasty is an older gentleman that again we tracted into. He and his wife have had to see many of their relatives pass away as they are in their mid 70's. Recently his wife, who we haven't met yet, lost a brother and is struggling with her own health concerns. Elder Salisbury and I are doing a lot of tracting and will be blessed for diligent effort in one way or another. He is a great ball player so for our morning workouts we are starting to go play basketball, it's been nice. I can't express how great it is to be his companion haha. The Pasadena 2nd ward continues to make leaps and bounds! This past week we as missionaries were able to address the congregation and also sing a special musical number. I spoke on obedience and how we are an obedient people, every Sunday we promise to be obedient. We had a combined meeting for the third hour and Bishop Turner unveiled his plan to the ward on how we are going to split this ward in 36 months. It's being called the Rescue. There are 520 members in this ward, 120 on average show up each Sunday- that leaves 400 members that need rescuing! I am so blessed to have seen this great transformation in the ward and will do all I can to help out. We as missionaries are not the main rescue party though, we are mere aids- the rescue aid society (just like in The Rescuers and The Rescuers Down Under haha). We are here to help or aid the ward in making sure this rescue takes place. You are so lucky to be speaking on agency! That is my favorite thing to talk about. It's something that Satan cannot take from us, but rather, only we can give it up- it's our choice. Agency is the ability to choose happiness or sadness, faith or fear. It is the essence of and engine behind our Father's great plan of happiness. I would use D. Todd Christofferson's talks for reference, they are always full of great comments on agency. 2 Nephi 2, the latter part, is one of my favorite chapters when teaching agency and also 2 Nephi 10:23. I love those two because in chapter 2 Lehi is teaching Jacob and then in 2 Nephi 10 Jacob shows his love for Lehi by teaching the same principle, it's beautiful. In life we use the gift of moral agency every day. We can either make celestial, terrestrial, or telestial preparations or corrections- it is all dependent on what we choose. Jesus wants me and all of mankind for a sunbeam, to dwell in the Celestial Kingdom, but even as badly as the Son of God wants that for all of us we still have to make that choice for ourselves- what a powerful thing. I am grateful for the Atonement, without it we would all be lost and fallen forever but because of it we can be found and risen forever. I love being a full time missionary Dad, it's the most fulfilling thing I have ever done in my life. I love you!
Elder Jarman
Hey Dad,
I am so happy right now. For my last transfer I will be staying in Deer Park but I have been assigned a new companion, Elder Salisbury of Sandy Utah! He and I go wayyyy back to my Jasper days. He was one of the six that spent our hurricaine Ike experience together. Needless to say I am very excited to be his companion. He has always been one of those missionaries that I've felt a solid connection with, he's almost like the little brother I never had. We have a lot of work to do and goals to accomplish. The investigators that we have right now are looking promising but they always do. We are focusing on finding the searchers, so I pray we will be led to them. Raul is a good guy we tracted into that we will going over and teaching on Sundays. He is a really humble genuinely nice man who wants what is best for his family. The Smith's are back on the radar but still so so busy with work and school that fitting us into their already hectic lives will be quite a sacrifice but as we know sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven. Glenn Hasty is an older gentleman that again we tracted into. He and his wife have had to see many of their relatives pass away as they are in their mid 70's. Recently his wife, who we haven't met yet, lost a brother and is struggling with her own health concerns. Elder Salisbury and I are doing a lot of tracting and will be blessed for diligent effort in one way or another. He is a great ball player so for our morning workouts we are starting to go play basketball, it's been nice. I can't express how great it is to be his companion haha. The Pasadena 2nd ward continues to make leaps and bounds! This past week we as missionaries were able to address the congregation and also sing a special musical number. I spoke on obedience and how we are an obedient people, every Sunday we promise to be obedient. We had a combined meeting for the third hour and Bishop Turner unveiled his plan to the ward on how we are going to split this ward in 36 months. It's being called the Rescue. There are 520 members in this ward, 120 on average show up each Sunday- that leaves 400 members that need rescuing! I am so blessed to have seen this great transformation in the ward and will do all I can to help out. We as missionaries are not the main rescue party though, we are mere aids- the rescue aid society (just like in The Rescuers and The Rescuers Down Under haha). We are here to help or aid the ward in making sure this rescue takes place. You are so lucky to be speaking on agency! That is my favorite thing to talk about. It's something that Satan cannot take from us, but rather, only we can give it up- it's our choice. Agency is the ability to choose happiness or sadness, faith or fear. It is the essence of and engine behind our Father's great plan of happiness. I would use D. Todd Christofferson's talks for reference, they are always full of great comments on agency. 2 Nephi 2, the latter part, is one of my favorite chapters when teaching agency and also 2 Nephi 10:23. I love those two because in chapter 2 Lehi is teaching Jacob and then in 2 Nephi 10 Jacob shows his love for Lehi by teaching the same principle, it's beautiful. In life we use the gift of moral agency every day. We can either make celestial, terrestrial, or telestial preparations or corrections- it is all dependent on what we choose. Jesus wants me and all of mankind for a sunbeam, to dwell in the Celestial Kingdom, but even as badly as the Son of God wants that for all of us we still have to make that choice for ourselves- what a powerful thing. I am grateful for the Atonement, without it we would all be lost and fallen forever but because of it we can be found and risen forever. I love being a full time missionary Dad, it's the most fulfilling thing I have ever done in my life. I love you!
Elder Jarman
Not Much...
February 3, 2010
I am doing really good. I am serving with Elder Salisbury! He is the man! I love him like a brother. We really get along well. Nothing big other than that happenin' around these parts. I love you
elder Jarman
I am doing really good. I am serving with Elder Salisbury! He is the man! I love him like a brother. We really get along well. Nothing big other than that happenin' around these parts. I love you
elder Jarman
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