Letters from Elder Jarman

THIS IS IT!!!

2010-03-10T09:10:00.000-08:00

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

Faith

2010-03-10T09:07:00.000-08:00

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

You Can't Just Go Through The Motions

2010-03-10T09:04:00.000-08:00

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

The Church Is So True

2010-03-10T09:00:00.000-08:00

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

"I Love This Work"

2010-03-10T08:57:00.000-08:00

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

"I Didn't Even Know the Olympics Were Happening"

2010-03-10T08:55:00.000-08:00

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

Miracles Are Happening

2010-03-10T08:52:00.000-08:00

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

"Faith Isn't a Feelinf, It's a Decision"

2010-03-10T08:48:00.000-08:00

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

I Need Righteous Influences in My Life

2010-03-10T08:46:00.000-08:00

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

The Rescue

2010-03-10T08:43:00.000-08:00

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

Not Much...

2010-03-10T08:41:00.000-08:00

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

Agency is Such a Powerful Thing

2010-01-28T18:41:00.001-08:00

MoM,

Hey! It is always so good to hear from you. I bet you are just so excited to leave St George and head back to the world of responsibility! Fun stuff.

That is so crazy that Tyler is 6'1", I will believe it when I see it haha.

I will pray for Stanford and Mary that they will be comforted. What a blessing it is to know the great plan of salvation. Just yesterday we were tracting and knocked on a gentlemans door who lost his son 3 years ago. His son was 40 years old and healthy. He went in for a routine surgery at the hospital and was left unmonitored on a certain drug and after too long became brain dead, then dead dead. What a tragedy! I bore strong testimony that God loves us and has a plan for us all and that he'd see his son again, but he refused to believe. He chose to harden his heart rather than soften it. Agency is such a powerful thing. He blamed God and God alone. Knowing the plan of happiness brings me so much comfort in this life. I know that the Pursers too have that same peace and those tears of sorrow they shed now can be replaced with tears of joy when the great reunion takes place.

Things in Texas are good. I am doing well personally, a little frazzled at the fact that I only have 6 emails left but other than that I am just working hard and doing my best. I love you mom!

Love
Elder Jarman

Do You Have What it Takes

2010-01-28T18:39:00.000-08:00

Hey Dad,

That would be so cool to go to a mini boot camp! Are you gonna do it then? Do you have what it takes? haha. Things are well here. This past week we tracted Andy Pettite's house, that was pretty neat. It is HUGE! We didn't get to talk to him but we did meet his maid and his daughter. He pulled in as we were leaving the area so I can confirm that I saw him haha. That was exciting. Also we were able to see where the Majano family is at and the reality is not what I would have wanted but it really is where they need to be. They are attending a Catholic Church whereas before they met us they didn't attend church at all. Caesar really wishes the whole family wanted to go to our church but rather than forcing or causing contention about it he has accepted where they're at and so have we. The weather in Pasadena here lately has been perfect, low to mid 70's with a slight breeze- the only downfall is that it's Pasadena and the air quality is terrible and with the refineries most everything stinks. We typically go on 3 to 4 exchanges every 6 weeks. I was able to go last week with Elder Braithwaite, he's been out a year and is the DL in Baytown. He is such a good guy, really soft spoken and humble. I am able to learn so much by going on exchanges. Since I have been in Deer Park 8 funerals have taken place, crazy huh? We just attended one yesterday for a gentleman who we were taking the sacrament to each week and have another one to attend this Saturday, the ward has changed a lot. It reminds me of Helaman 12:6, not to the severity of course but just the fact that our ward is changing so much for the better and all this death is occuring around us- it's a humbling thing to have so many pass away. The ward has a greater sense of urgency and are really coming together.

Love
Elder Jarman

I Seriously Laughed Out Loud

2010-01-20T13:18:00.002-08:00

1/20/10

Dad!

I can't believe it, Emma is 10! Ha, crazy. I didn't forget January 18th and in fact told almost everyone while tracting that it was my little sisters tenth birthday, it really helped people to be a little nicer ha. I will be writing her a letter today that's for sure. It sounds like everyone made her feel very special on her decade mark.

Dad that story about you almost missing your plane was hilarious! I seriously laughed out loud in the library to the point of tears hahahaa. I am hoping you can look back on that experience and do the same haha. I know I have had plenty of those moments, and I am glad I have had them. It keeps us humble that's all :)

You know I am more excited than you for the summer time haha. Utah summer's are the best, Texas... not so much. You are gonna have to whip me into shape when I get home so I dont die hiking the Uintahs.

The zone activity turned out alright, not the best but it was good to be around other missionaries on p day. Nobody really plays basketball anymore so we ended up playing a card game and I shot around.

I went on exchanges with a couple of new missionaries this past week and had a blast. Those greenies I tell you what hahaha. They were just in awe at how long I'd been out, "You haven't even seen the Dark Knight?!" haha oh it was funny. I love being around new missionaries and partaking of their great faith and goodness. It helped me out so much to go on those exchanges. The one I went on with Elder Fife (Pleasonton, CA) was one for the ages. It was pouring down rain and freezing cold! We were on bikes all day and I not ever really being on a bike had some struggles haha. Elder Fife kept me moving. He is six four so his strides are much bigger than mine. We had a very spiritual lesson with his investigator Cameron and were able to invite him to be baptized, he accepted! It was great. Now I just gotta do that in my own area.

This area of Deer Park is changing dad, it's going to be a very fruitful area of this mission in the years to come I just know it. I hope that I can see more miracles as I labor here.

Love
Elder Jarman

Life is Good

2010-01-20T13:18:00.001-08:00

1/20/10

Mom!

Oh that Emma girl, a decade old now. Is she really that tall?! Holy smokes! I hope she had a great day, she can be thankful she wasn’t raised Jehovah’s witness or she wouldn't have celebrated her day of birth at all.

Berk is a mom eh? That's just adding to the events that I can't yet fathom. I hear Emily Ojuka is set to tie the knot in August, that is crazy ha.

This past week has been so amazing. We had a meeting with the Stake President, President Moldenhauer, and all the ward unit leaders and ward mission leaders in the stake and set some goals for what we want to accomplish in 2010. The houston east stake plans to baptize 120 people this year, more than doubling the 54 of 2009. I am so blessed to be a part of this laying the foundation here. Then we had a meeting as stake priesthood holders on saturday and were spiritually fed. I have been able to strengthen my testimony of the basics of the gospel so much here lately, namely faith and the Book of Mormon. To cap it all off in our ward correlation meeting on Sunday our Bishop powerfully rallied the leaders of our ward together. He had each auxillary come fasting and with goals they would accomplish in 2010. It is a testimony to me that we are a goal setting and keeping people on top of a covenant making and keeping people.

Life is good. I am just doing my best to stay focused and working hard. It's a blessing to be around youthful missionaries.

Love Elder Jarman

Not Much Time

2010-01-20T13:17:00.000-08:00

1/13/10

It sounds like things are consistently hectic back home haha. I don't have a lot of time but I do want to tell you about these two Baptist women that pounced on us yesterday while tracting. They told us we and all other religions were going to Hell. I got pretty fired up about that. One of them was from farmington NM so I asked her if she knew the Foutz' and she said "Everybody knows the Foutz'!" Small world. Anyway I love you and I am doing good. Just staying busy tracting.

Elder jarman

Dad,

Hey! This is going to be a short one, we had to help a member move out this morning and need to be in Baytown in 20 minutes for a zone p day and so I only have a little time to email. I am doing good though. Oh! ha. the other day we got ambushed by two Baptist women wanting to bash. They told us the jews, the muslims, the buddhists, the catholics, and the Mormons were all going to Hell... pray for them. I love the south...

Elder Jarman

Thank You for...

2010-01-20T13:16:00.000-08:00

1/6/09

Dear Dad,

Thank you for raising me to believe in God. Thank you for giving me a knowledge of my Savior. Thank you for telling me about the restored gospel. Thank you for being a man of great faith. Thank you for treating mom with the utmost respect, always. Thank you for being patient with me. Thank you for being a worthy priesthood holder. Thank you for telling me you love me. Thank you for teaching me temporal things. Thank you for giving me an ideal childhood. Thank you for being a disciple of Jesus Christ.

I had the opportunity of meeting a young lady last night who wasn't raised with religion at all and it made me think of how blessed I am to have come from where I come from and know what I know because I have parents who knew and in turn shared that knowledge with me. It is no coincidence that I came to you and mom when I did. I know that the gospel is the good life. This young lady we are hopefully going to start teaching is a Judeo-Christian now because that's what she has found on her own to be true, but she is open to learn new things. We have been putting a large emphasis on talking to everyone as a mission and so last night I was able to teach this girl the plan of salvation as she waited on our table at dinner. The environment wasn't ideal but the feeling of peace still was there. If anything it was an opportunity for me to exercise my faith in the principle of talking to everyone and also gave me a chance to reflect on the blessings I have.

I have been praying mightily for Tyler and that all will go well. Tell him I love him when you see him. Grandma Jarman fell, ugh. I hate that. I hope she has a swift recovery.

I am still serving in the Pasadena 2nd ward, area of Deer Park. I have 1 and a half transfers left so I will more than likely be laid to rest here. Like I stated earlier we have really been doing our best to talk to everyone. Elder Robertson and I tract a lot. We are still working with the Majano and Smith families but the holidays have taken a toll on our ability to keep as much contact as we'd like. It's a very surreal feeling becoming old in the mission. I am just working and wearing out in the service of God. I love it Dad, I really do.

Love
Elder Jarman

I Have a Sense of Urgency in Sharing the Gospel

2010-01-20T13:15:00.002-08:00

1/6/10

Hi Mom!

Getting to be aged in the mission is very strange mom. I have more of a sense of urgency in sharing the gospel, but at the same time I am becoming excited to come home. I know that this 2 year fast from those things back home will bless me for eternity. My companion and I have been working really hard to find new investigators to teach. This mission is about to have great things come to pass and I am grateful to be able say I have a small part in it. Anytime I get asked if I have any good stories I get scared that I can't remember any, I literally sprint my memory. I don't have anything spectacular mom, I am sure when I am home I will be able to tell stories left and right but at the moment all I have to say is that I better understand charity after serving for this amount of time and that faith without works is dead. You have got to want to better yourself and then do something about it. Talk is cheap. Things are really going well. I am a stranger in a strange land as I come to the last few months. I am surrounded by missionaries that I don't know and a lot of them are brand new. It's weird but it's good. I fear if I were around my good friends I wouldn't be as focused on the work. I love you! Tell Ray he better tell me where he's going or I am gonna snap.

Love
Elder Jarman

Best Part of My Christmas

2010-01-20T13:15:00.001-08:00

12/30/09

Hey Dad!

I must say talking to you and the family and Ali :) was by far the best part of my Christmas. It gave me a really good and needed push to finish strong talking to you, not that I wasn't already planning on it or doing it but it really was just what I needed talking to you.

Oh how fun you get to chaperone a new year's party. The stake dances and parties down here are where it's at for the youth, they all love them. My new year will be brought in by going to sleep at 10:30 on the 31st and waking up at 6:30 on the 1st, it should be a blast :) oh and then on the 1st we also have a zone meeting, I am pretty excited for it.

I wont even recognize the house when I see it again so much has been done to it haha.

Love

Elder Jarman

An Absolute Treat

2010-01-20T13:13:00.000-08:00

12/30/09

Mom,

Oh I couldn't agree with you more on the phone call being an absolute treat. It was my favorite gift as well. I love my family more now than ever, that's for sure.

I am sure there is a bittersweet symphony playing in Hillary's room now that Carrie is gone. She's a tough girl though, right? She was when I left anyway.

I will continue praying for Tyler and Courtney as he prepares to have surgery. I am confident that all will go well.

It's interesting to sit back and think about all the experiences I have had over the past 21 months. All the things people have told me and taught me. I have grown to love people in a way I never could have known unless I came on my mission. I love the fact that we are all different.

I love you mom!

Elder Jarman

Temple Square

2010-01-20T13:12:00.001-08:00

12/23/09

Hey Dad,

We were visiting with a member last night and they shared with us the Obama psalm, if you haven't heard of this before I thought it was pretty funny so I'll share it with you. It's Psalm 109:8. Anyway, just thought you'd get a kick out of it.

I can't wait to talk to you on Christmas! I will probably call in the morning to confirm an evening call. That is pretty neat that Ray and Calvin visited, I do miss those chaps.

That's funny that you went to Temple Square for FHE because a family we were visiting this past week asked if I had ever been to see the lights at Temple Square and I told them how we tried to go every year for an FHE activity. I always loved going up there at this time of year.

I too am looking forward to the call, it feels like it's been forever.

Love
Elder Jarman

I'm in Texas

2010-01-20T13:11:00.000-08:00

12/23/09

Mom!

Things in Texas are just splendid. Sometimes I forget that I am in Texas then I'll get this thought of "Holy crap, I'm in Texas." I just had one of those moments when I read your question of how are things in Texas haha. I am sooo glad I get to talk to you on Christmas, what a blessing! My last phone call home, woah! I will probably call you in the morning around 10 or 11 to confirm that evening. I'll try not to take too much of your day away from you though. The members that are having us over for breakfast will have phones-a-plenty and I figured that I might as well take advantage of the less formal setting, that night we'll be at an older members home and the setting will be more formal so i don't want to miss my chance ya know? In other news I have been asked to inquire about my departure from the mission, if you and dad were planning on picking me up or if i should request a flight home, so there is something to think about between now and the 25th.

Love
Elder Jarman

We Have Alot of Work Before US

2009-12-16T11:09:00.000-08:00

Hey Dad,

Yeah, I can't believe of all the states in the union to have a gay mayor. They have lost it I'd say.

I so wish we could teach more, like they do in Utah. I hear they just have teaching appointments alllll the time. I enjoy the finding process but teaching is what it's all about, and of course baptizing. We have a new stake president who really has a great vision of missionary work. He is a man of great faith and I am excited to see how the work progresses under him.

My release date is indeed St. Patrick's Day, March 17th. That's still a ways away, but it's fast approaching.

For some reason I thought Tyler was going to be having surgery on his back on November 30th, but now it's January sometime? That must be tough on him. Of course Danny and Cait are in Hawaii ha haha. Lucky you being able to have baby Elle! I'll be pleased to meet that young one some day.

The Smith's are great. They offered to feed us lunch on Christmas Eve so we'll be going to their place for that then also they are feeding us on the 21st. They are just such good people. We have committed them to read in the Book of Mormon every night and they said they'd do it so that's exciting. Terry is still caught up on needing proof, but Kerry is so opposite relying on faith alone. It's interesting to see how different people are, that's another testimony to me that we have a loving Father in Heaven. Yeah I was on clean up duty for the doody that was left last Sunday ha, of course you liked that! We do have a lot of work before us at the moment and it really is such a blessing. I have never been in an area where I was able to use the Priesthood as often as Pasadena-- it's been such a blessing.

I love you Dad,

Elder Jarman

I Swear People See Us as Mirrors

2009-12-16T11:07:00.000-08:00

December 16, 2009

Hi Mom,

Oh just cause Dad covers everything doesn't mean you can't give me your side haha, just teasing. You'll have to tell Abe happy birthday for me please, he's a good man. It's funny how coming out on my mission has helped me to see people in a different light, especially people from back home.

The investigators are coming along pretty well. We hit a little road block with the Majano family, the wife and oldest daughter are kind of resenting coming to church, but we are still very engaged in bringing them into the waters of baptism. They are such a great family. Caesar, the dad, has come a very very long way. He really opened up to us yesterday and told us all about his past and how he wants his kids to have a better life than what he went through. I swear people see us as mirrors, they feel like they're just talking to themselves and can tell us every little detail-- sometimes it's a little too much ha. The Smith's are doing good. They are a very busy family so we only get to see them once a week. Terry is very much into facts and proof whereas Kerry is into faith. We are making progress with them though and they have committed to read from the Book of Mormon every night before going to bed, also they should be at church this week. In other news, we were tracting and tracted into a very less active member who has an unbaptized daughter who she wants to be baptized, we are going to try and re activate the member first of course and then work with the daughter. Christmas is a little better as far as kindness goes but people seem to be so busy. Things with my comp are about the same. I am not really hoping to get transferred to get away from him though, I want to be able to work through differences with people and I feel like I can put so much more into that with him. Our apartment has always and will always stink. I remember going on exchanges with the zone leaders in my first area in these apartments and it smelled then. It is what it is.

I will probably call around 5 or 6 pm your time if that is when you guys will all be together. I can't wait to talk to you!

Love
Elder Jarman

20 Year Olds Leading 20 Year Olds

2009-12-16T11:02:00.000-08:00

December 9, 2009

Dad,

You better believe it snowed here, it was quite a surprise to say the least. We had our zone meeting that same day and so traveling was quite a scare since these Texas drivers aren't use to that type of weather, but we all made it safely to our destination. Zone meeting was really powerful and the zone is doing really well. I love the missionaries I am able to serve with. It's incredible to me that there is a mutual love and respect for one another as we serve. 20 year olds leading 20 year olds?! Where else does that happen? The church has to be true or, like Elder Holland says, "the missionaries would have ruined it years ago." haha.

It sounds like you got a lot more snow than here haha, naturally. Oh a little side note yesterday it was 77, just to give you a taste of how sporadic the weather is. I apologize I didnt comment on your wreck last week I was in too much of a hurry and I should have taken more time to assess what you had written. That is no fun that you got in an accident and even worse that the car wont be done for so long. I hope you are feeling 100% by now though.

It sounds like Stake Conference was great. Chris Monday is an amazing speaker, I remember he spoke to us at Pinnacle before I went out for the Summer.

On Sunday the Smith family that we've been teaching showed up at church! It was so good to see them! I have also come to find out that they know the Tice family so that has helped in building a relationship with them. We also had two less active families that we've been working with that came to church also. One of which I sat with and the 3 year old boy that belongs to the less active member, Sister Cassidy, had an accident all over the pew. I was left to clean up the urine haha. It was hilarious. I am sure parenting is going to be wonderful. The other less active family we've been working with we were able to teach how to have family home evening and memories of home flooded my memory. I was such a punk, but now I know the importance and true power that FHE holds. Also we have been volunteering at this old folks home and it is so much fun. We played uno and bingo with the seniors this past week, what a hoot. The Majano family continues to progress and it was such a blessing to teach them about prayer and to hear the father pray with his family for the first time, it was a very tender moment. I suppose that is the good news I have to share.

About the package situation that is alright. I just assumed you combined my birthday and Christmas so I already opened my Christmas package haha. The next day I found out the office had my birthday package though and had had it for over a week. So I did get both packages, thank you thank you. I love the PJ's haha. You are too good to me.

My favorite scripture this week is Matthew 11: 28-32? The last 3 or 4 verses haha. Those are so powerful! The Lord just wants us to be happy and to feel secure. It's up to us to come unto him though, the invitation is always there.

I really haven't eaten any crazy foods. I've had crawfish, bouilldan (spelling?), sourcrought (YUCK!), and just a lot a lot a lot of really tasty unhealthy southern cooking. The holiday foods are your typical pecan pie, sweet potatoes, and dressing (stuffing).

Under the Wire

2009-12-16T10:58:00.000-08:00

December 9, 2009

hey, haven't heard from you quite yet. just wanted to let you know that i am doing well. im excited to talk to you on christmas! love you
elder jarman

well well well look who it is, just barely made it in time haha. i did get the bday package, it was awesome. the mission home is who sent me my christmas package but i just assumed you had combined both in one so i opened it ugh haha.

...but i do love this work

2009-12-16T10:56:00.000-08:00

December 2, 2009

Dad,
hey just a short note to let you know im alive. i just got back from the funeral of mark tice's mother, she passed at the age of 79 on 28 nov after a fight with cancer. so if you feel so inclined to send them a card of sympathy or what not you can. i love you dad. you are the best man i know and i am so sorry for all those times i went against your judgement because it was always better. i know i've said things like this in past emails but it's because my mission has humbled me. i still am going to need humbling after this two year period but i just want you to know that i have been able to take a look at the way i treated you as my father and i am sorry for any disrespect i've done you. things here are going really well. i don't like my companion but i do love this work and just because i don't like him doesn't mean i don't respect him because i do. i have come to terms that you cannot like everyone, but you can love them because they are God's child. elder robertson and i work really well together and are seeing much success. i hope all is well in provo. i miss you.

love
elder jarman

I Can't Wait to do Chores Again

2009-12-16T10:53:00.000-08:00

December 2, 2009

Mom,
my week was good! i did enjoy thanksgiving yes. we have yet to set the date with the majano's but it's going to happen soon. things really are going well. i wish i could be there to help out. i can't wait to do chores again haha, mainly in the yard- crazy i know. i will be a better son than i was mom. i love you and i love that you instilled in me at a young age to love people because it's what we should do. i attended a funeral this morning for mark tice's mother and was reminded how blessed i am to have the gospel in my life. i love you mom, i hope you know that i am doing my best.

love
elder jarman

"I Will Give Thanks Unto My God Forever"

2009-12-16T10:47:00.000-08:00

November 25, 2009

Dear Mom,

Hey! Nope, haven't gotten a package yet from you. I did have an amazing birthday though. It was really a memorable one. During our PEC I had this prompting to call a less active member so I asked if we could be excused, which I never do. Just as we went out to make the call a man walked in the church doors and asked what time church was at. We came to find out he hadn't been to church since he was 14 and now at 32 has 4 kids and a wife. They all came to church and we taught them on Monday in there home, it was incredible. So we will be setting a date for them to be baptized tomorrow most likely. Also just yesterday I went to the temple for the last time as a missionary. I have been able to strengthen my understanding so much of what goes one there. I am very grateful for the temple. For Thanksgiving we will be going to a few dinners, the big one will be with that family I told you about that came to church on Sunday- the Mojano family. The work is coming along great. We are having a lot of success finding new investigators. We are working with the Mojano's, the Smith's, and Sandra really closely with a few others that have a lot of potential. Also we are doing a lot of less active work. This ward has 500+ on their ward list and only about 90 to 100 that come regularly, lots of less actives. Our apartment still stinks. We think that an animal died in the wall because the maintenance guy came and checked the disposal, the dishwasher, and the fridge and they were all fine. I love you mom! In the spirit of Thanksgiving I will share one of my favorite scriptures on being thankful, it's Alma 26: 35-37 35 Now have we not reason to rejoice? Yea, I say unto you, there never were men that had so great reason to rejoice as we, since the world began; yea, and my joy is carried away, even unto boasting in my God; for he has all power, all wisdom, and all understanding; he comprehendeth all things, and he is a merciful Being, even unto salvation, to those who will repent and believe on his name.
36 Now if this is boasting, even so will I boast; for this is my life and my light, my joy and my salvation, and my redemption from everlasting. Yea, blessed is the name of my God, who has been mindful of this people, who are a branch of the tree of Israel, and has been lost from its body in a strange land; yea, I say, blessed be the name of my God, who has been mindful of us, wanderers in a strange land.
37 Now my brethren, we see that God is mindful of every people, whatsoever land they may be in; yea, he numbereth his people, and his bowels of mercy are over all the earth. Now this is my joy, and my great thanksgiving; yea, and I will give thanks unto my God forever. Amen.

Love
Elder Jarman

I Love This Work and Being a Missionary

2009-12-16T10:39:00.000-08:00

November 18, 2009

Hey Dad!

Of course Mom opened the letter I wrote before she was suppose to haha. I should have known better than to have even said anything about it haha. Oh mother.

The plans for my birthday are to go to church, take the sacrament to Sis. Berry and Bro. Hurst, and maybe have a glass of milk I suppose. It's gonna be a good one. I am excited about receiving a package, those are always nice to get.

Jon is home! Woah! Tell him I say hello. It's getting to the point where I am feeling old out here, it's kinda scary.

Elder Robertson is from Idaho Falls. I am doing my best to look for the things he does well and in fact write them down in my planner each day. It seems to be helping. He is just really eccentric, and I am realizing that there's a time and a place to be silly and it's not all the time and in all places. We really do work well together though in reaching our goals and having spiritual experiences. It's already been a great week and a half. We have found some new investigators that I am so excited about. First is a 21 year old girl who is a friend of a part member family. We went over actually this past week to see the non member husband but he had the flu and Sandra, the 21 yo, just so happened to be there. We had a great conversation about the gospel and then she really opened up to us about her life and the struggles she is going through being a single mother. So we are going to start working with her and it should be great. Second we have a family we are working with, the Smith's. They were referred to us by a family from Vegas who are their close friends. The family from Vegas recently lost a son and the Smith's were in attendance at the funeral and asked what they could do to help, the reply was "Meet with the missionaries." So they are now. We will be seeing them at the ward social this Friday then again at church Sunday. We met with them two nights ago and taught them the Plan of Salvation, they had so many soul searching questions that were answered by using the Book of Mormon. It was wonderful. Also we have been working very closely with a few less active families and this past week all three came to church! It is such a good feeling to see people come back to activity.

I love this work and being a missionary. I know that I have benefitted so much from the great examples that you and Mom are. More and more I am asking myself "why did I not listen to dad more?" I know I could have avoided so much hardship if I would have. Thank you for always being there for me.

Love
Elder Jarman

My Spirits Are High

2009-12-16T10:36:00.000-08:00

November 18, 2009

Mom!

Happy birthday yesterday! The 47th of your life, wow! I was telling everyone that your birthday was on the 17th haha, the Sister missionaries in our district (who are a little crazy to say the least) called and sang happy birthday to you to me, I had a good laugh about it. In all honesty I didn't think you would wait until your actual birthday to open the letter haha, that's just not your nature-- point and case my mission call, I think it was opened like 4 minutes after it arrived haha. Oh mama, I love you.

Before I go any further I just wanted to let you know that our kitchen and now apartment smells like the bog of eternal stench. I swear some animal has died in there, but what's the worst is we cannot find the source of the stink. It is so awful, even now being so far away from it it is haunting me. We are going to talk to the apartment manager about it here shortly.

The new comp is still kinda crazy yeah, but it's ok. We are working really hard and having a lot of good things happen. I really would not like him one bit if I weren't on a mission but because of that fact I respect him, serving a mission is hard I don't care who you are. If it was an easy two years then you did something wrong. It's been the hardest but also most rewarding thing I have ever done. I am doing really well! My spirits are high, health is good now, and life is grand. I was feeling really sick last Sunday actually and feared I was getting the flu, well we went over to the Febbo's house that night and I was so privileged to be a part of a Priesthood blessing for Bro. Febbo and then also got a blessing from him, it was a wonderful blessing and the next day I was feeling so much better.

Love you mom!

Elder Jarman

A Week of Miracles

2009-12-16T10:31:00.000-08:00

November 11, 2009

Hey Dad,

You are very welcome for the birthday letter. I was glad to hear that you have not just a day but a week to celebrate your birthday, good for you!

I must say that this past week has been one of miracles. The ward I have mentioned previously has been quite disengaged and at times seemed to flat out dislike us, but that all changed after this week. We were asked by so many members to help do service for them and in doing so, just like Ammon serving King Lamoni, we were able to see a change come over them-- they in turn began to open up to us and some of which have really caught the vision of missionary work. I am so blessed to be able to be a part of so much goodness here in Pasadena.

I got a new companion this week. Elder Robertson is his name. He's very peculiar and eccentric, I am sure we'll have a good time serving together though.

What's new with me? I am coming out of what I guess you could call a slump, I am happier now than I have been over the past few weeks. A lot of times I will get caught up in this and that and lose sight of the purposes of missionary work. Well I am so grateful for the Atonement and the power it posesses. I was reading in 1 Timothy today can't remember the exact passage of scripture but Paul is relating his conversion and how Christ came not to call anyone but sinners to repentance, he came to save fallen man- which of course includes everyone. It really hit me that everyone is so much the same as they are in their pursuit of happiness, we all rely on our Savior for saving. I love this work and being able to testify of the restored gospel. I love you and am so blessed to be a part of the family I am a part of.

Love
Elder Jarman

Two Shorts

2009-11-04T10:16:00.000-08:00

hey mom!

sorry this email is going to be short, they had us take a survey as a mission and it ate up a lot of my time. geeze another cousin getting married, this time it's marissa- that is crazy. i will have so many new cousins haha. today is going to be so awesome though, i was able to organize a zone service project helping assemble littly huffy bikes for kids alongside a drug rehab motley crew- it's going to be so good. that is pretty much what i will be doing today. i love you mom.

love
elder jarman

Hey Dad,

Happy Birthday!!! I hope you got my letter by now, it wasn't anything dazzling but it was what I did so I hope you like it. Thank you so much for your insight. I think that this past weeks email was just what I needed. I hope to be able to help this ward in some way, I feel I am sometimes too involoved in PEC's and let my emotion get the best of me so I can work on that. If the missionaries aren't taking the meeting with the high council serious then let them know about it, that is ridiculous. It sounds like that Eductaion Illustrated turned out pretty dang good, props! I am excited about today, we are getting together as a zone to assemble bikes for local children. We are teaming up with a local drug and alcohol rehab center, it should be great. I love you old man!

Elder Jarman

Just a Quick Note

2009-10-28T13:38:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-28T13:36:00.000-07:00

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.

The Pants are Totally Not Me But the Shirt Was Awesome

2009-10-21T11:32:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-21T11:31:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-21T11:30:00.001-07:00

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

2009-10-21T11:28:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-21T11:27:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-21T11:24:00.002-07:00

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

2009-10-21T11:24:00.001-07:00

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

2009-10-21T11:22:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-21T11:19:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-21T11:16:00.000-07:00

Love Through Serving and Serving out of Love

2009-10-21T11:15:00.001-07:00

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

A Solid Week

2009-09-17T10:49:00.000-07:00

Dear Dad,

I wish I were able to see mountains go through the color change. I do miss mountains, it'll be so weird to have them again. The weather here lately has been really good, 80's to 70's all the time and clear skies with occasional Texas downpours out of nowhere. The rain really just makes it more muggy. I think we're going to go this hurricane season without a one.

My week was really quite good. The zone meeting was amazing. I talked about obedience and hard work and growing up, while Elder Clove talked about being steadfast and immovable. This zone has seen a lot of trials lately and it feels and looks like we are all back on track and working hard.

Chase and James are so frustrating. Chase actually popped up at church with his less active girlfriend so that's good. I so badly want to kick their butts haha. We are keeping very busy though. We've been having study sessions with a member who is struggling with the word of wisdom and wants to go to the temple which has been really good. The weekly visits to Bro. Hawkins are going so good ha, that guy is a trooper. When he walks it's like a Chameleon he kind of goes forward then back then forward. He is always telling us great stories about when he was young and going through the depression or the war. I will be sure to tell him hi for y'all. We have a big missionary fireside coming up on Sunday that I am looking forward to attending, also this saturday we have a tri mission conference with Elder Costa of the Seventy that should be amazing. So a big weekend ahead. Also UT plays Texas Tech! ha. I have been getting great updates on the Cougars from the members in the ward. 54-3 that ain't bad. They better roll over FSU. So I guess that's at home then? You going or just going to plop down in front of 65'' of entertainment? So did Provo end up beating Stansbury?! you gotta fill me in on that.

I agree that if we follow Grandpa's example that we'll be better off in this world. I have been so blessed to have righteous examples all around me throughout my life.

I love you Dad
Elder Jarman

I Love My Mission

2009-09-17T10:48:00.000-07:00

Mother Dearest,

This morning has been so great. I got to start it off by giving Sister Stephens a blessing. She's serving here in our district in our ward with her husband, they're from AF and as sweet as can be. She is going in for an eye surgery this morning and wanted a blessing. It was nice.

Seriously I can't believe it's been 18 months but then again I can, it's hard to explain I guess. You are very welcome for the pictures, sorry I haven't done better about sending those over the course of my mission I just haven't been a great photographer. Our missing investigators are still mia but that's ok the Lord has blessed us elsewhere. We have a new family we are teaching, the Cantu's, and we have appointments every friday at 7 so friday is still a day to look forward to for me ha. Also lately we have been having studies with a member in the ward who is struggling with the word of wisdom, I admire his honesty and his sincere desire to overcome his addictions. He is also working with the Bishop and we are so excited about his sincerity. We will hopefully be able to prepare him to go to the temple and be sealed to his family. Also this past weekend I was able to go on exchanges with Elder Plater and it was just what I needed. We had a great appointment with his investigator Ryan and were able to set a baptismal date for October 24th, he is golden. This past week we have been able to conduct two baptismal interviews. Those are so incredible to experience. I was able to interview a 10 yr old named Ashton who has had a very hard life. His father is in prison for murdering his mother and he lives with his grandparents but just recently his grandfather had an affair and so he's had to go through that whole mess and what it did for me was remind me of how blessed I am. I have goodly parents who love each other and love me. What a treasure. Ashton is a very well prepared young man who should be a great missionary some day.

I love you and I love my mission.

Elder Jarman

2009-09-14T09:13:00.000-07:00

"Those Mormons Can Play Ball"

2009-09-09T11:10:00.000-07:00

Dad,

My week was good. It was a little crazy but it was good. We had to deal with another missionary going home so Elder Christiansen has taken his place down with his companion. It's sad that people make the decisions they do but what's more is the attitudes of people toward the consequence that follows. I'm not perfect and make mistakes daily but I do try to do my best and serve the Lord in a way that would please him.

We still cannot get a hold of Katrina, we don't know what happened she just disappeared. Chase and James are ridiculous. They dip dive and dodge away from us and have fallen back into a lot of their old ways which is sad. The Porales family is doing good and we are actually going by there tonight. It's been a great week as far as building relationships with members is concerned. We also have had a lot of meetings. Zone Conference was wonderful as usual and we got to have a visiting General Authority Elder Villareal. He was the Colombia Bogota Mission President from 01-03. I told him my father served in that mission and we had a good chat. Elder Clove and I have also been focusing a lot on visiting the elderly people in the ward. It's been such a rewarding thing. We visit Bro. Hawkins at least once a week. He's 91 and loves to talk ha. He is all bent over when he walks and has a hump on his back.

Oh boy did I hear about the BYU OU game. The Longhorn fans were on cloud 9! "Those Mormons can play ball" one guy told us ha.

Life on the mission is giong good. Elder Clove and I are planning our zone meeting that will be this friday also. It should be a good time.

I love you

Elder Jarman

The Work is What it is, Work.

2009-09-09T11:08:00.000-07:00

Mama,

Things down here are going really good. The work is what it is, work. Elder Christiansen has been assigned elsewhere so now it's just Elder Clove and I here in Deer Park so that is nice. Being in a trio is just not the best.

Sounds like the Labor Day weekend kept y'all occupied. We had zone conference with a visiting GA named Elder Villareal, he was the Colombia Bogota Mission President from 2001-2003 so I talked to him about Dad a little bit. Also we had a ZL council yesterday that was really good. So a lot of meetings have been where my time has been lately.

Isaac Robison is home and Brennen gets home next week?! Goodness gracious. I really can't believe it, and that I am in the 4th quarter of my mission. It truly goes by way too fast.
I love you Mom!

Elder Jarman

There is a Lot of Good Stuff Going On

2009-09-02T09:37:00.000-07:00

Hey Dad,

Well the latest and greatest is that if anything can go wrong with a scheduled appointment it will. We had our investigator Katrina committed and ready to come to church this past week but her dog broke it's leg and then just last night she had to cancel as well. She has a special needs son who was acting up is the way she put it, so we rescheduled for another day. Also James and Chase are nowhere to be found and won’t return our phone calls, which is a little disheartening but hopefully they come around. We met a great less active family last night, the Porales, who I am really excited to start working with. It's Brother and Sister Porales and their three sons ages 21 19 and 18. I feel a good connection with them so we'll see how it goes. Really there is a lot of good stuff going on. I am getting along great with my companions and our zone is working hard. I had heard Favre was now a Viking, that still blows my mind he's not a Packer.

I'll bet the cannery is a good experience. They have a big peanut butter factory down here that the Saints serve at, I would love to volunteer but it's out of our mission.

I can't believe all those guys are playing for the Y these days, it makes me feel old ha.

Love Elder Jarman

It's a Great Time in my Life

2009-09-02T09:35:00.000-07:00

Mom!

I have learned sooo much since coming on my mission. I love serving and being able to interact with so many different people with so many different backgrounds. It's a very worth while experience and I will never forget it. I feel like I have grown up a lot but at the same time am still very immature ha. I really have learned so much though. Every Tuesday we visit with Brother Hawkins, he's 91 and just lost his wife to cancer in December. He teaches me so much without much effort. I love listening to him tell us his stories. A few things I have learned from him are to be responsible, be charitable, stand up for yourself, obey the law, and have faith. He is just a good man. Another person I have learned so much from is Brother Febbo. He is a Spiritual giant. He talks so often about sending up righteous desires and then waiting on the Lord. It's just a great time in my life to observe people in every situation and to sort out what to do and what not to do. I have so much left to learn though and am excited to do so.

That is no fun Emma has been sickly, tell her I say to get better. I can't believe how old my sisters are getting. Lou turns 15 tomorrow! Crazy...

The work is going really well. James and Chase have gone MIA but hopefully they'll turn up soon. We have a lot of good stuff going on here that's for sure.

What are your relatives names in New Harmony? What other relatives do we have in Southern Utah? Elder Clove is from Enterprise so I figure I would ask him if he knows some folks.

I love you!

Elder Jarman

Obedience With Exactness

2009-08-26T10:28:00.000-07:00

Hey Dad,
>
> I love that question of what do you know. I often ask myself that for a personal study, it's a great test for me and a time to really ponder what I do know.
>
> My plans for p-day are to email, shop, eat lunch, then today we have our housing coordinator bringing some extra furniture for a couple investigators we have that have zero belongings in their new place, then if we have time we'll go to the Pasadena church and play some ball, then we have dinner at 5 so we'll have to leave by 4 to get all spruced up for it. We have a great appointment set up with a Bible referral we got last week for our evening that Elder Clove will be seeing with an amazing member named Brother Febbo (Bryce Ayoso was one of the Febbos favorite Elders), while they are at that Elder Christiansen and I will be stopping by a potential investigators house. Then we are going to all meet back up and visit a member of the high council and his family, then finish our night off with contacting a referral the Febbos gave us for a family they are close with. It should be a good p-day. I talk to the Tice and May's every once in a while and they are actually in my zone's area now so I could visit them if I ever had time ha. I'll have to stop by there one of these days. No news on any hurricanes as of late, but we are usually the first to be notified of any threats- the church has a really close eye on their Elders.
>
> I too smiled when hearing of Timpviews defeat. Elder Clove and I stayed up pretty late last night exchanging war stories so high school football was fresh on my mind ha. Thanks for the update. How's PHS looking these days?
>
> Oh the good old days of the Jarman BBQ's. I love those ha. I can't believe Wally is already home. He's a good man.
>
> 60+ people at our house?! Holy smokes! I can't wait to see the changes that have taken place, pictures only do so much.
>
> My new area is really good. I love it here. It kind of smells bad and the locals call it Stinkadena but Pasadena, bad smells and all is a great place to be. It gets the aroma from all the chemical plants around town I guess. I am serving in the same ward as a senior couple from AF that have a son who played high school football in 1981. His name is John Stephens, making them of course the Stephens. They said they are really close with Davis Knight and I told them of my days as a ball boy for him and how I played against him in high school. They are great people and I am privileged to be serving around them.
>
> Looking back on my times of struggle on my mission I realize now that I wasn't working as hard as I should have nor was I striving to be exactly obedient. In your first email to me you told me a cure for any ailment that I'll never forget: hard work and being obedient. I have such a strong testimony of that Dad. I wasn't ever home sick, I was just not working like I should have been. I am feeling better than ever now and will do all that I can to serve to the absolute best of my abilities for the duration of my mission.
>
> I got a wonderful package from y'all this past week. Thank you so much! I love all the ties and especially the photos. I still can't belive Hillary is in college... ha. I think my favorite part however was Emma's little addition. It melted my heart I would have to say. "To the best brother a girl could ever have. Love Emma." I am part of such an incredible family. I love you Dad, I love my Mom, I love Tyler, I love Courtney, I love Danny, I love Caitlin, I love Elle, I love Hillary, I love Louisa, I love Olivia, and I love Emma. Thank you for all you do.
>
> Love Elder Jarman

The Tree of Life

2009-08-26T10:26:00.000-07:00

26 August 2009

Mom!

Yeah I suppose Dad did cover it all but I am so grateful that you still took time, and always do, to email me. It makes a boy happy! I did get the package, thank you thank you. It was a delight. I still am enjoying all the treats and have looked at the photos everyday since getting them. I especially loved Emma's note to me. What a sweet girl that Emma France is. Things are going really well for me thank you for asking. We have a lot of good stuff going on in this area. We are working with a couple guys named James and Chase that are wanting to be baptized but just need to qualify by living in harmony with the commandments, namely the word of wisdom. I was studying in 1 Nephi 8 this morning (Lehi's Vision) and made the connection to James. Lehi before being able to enjoy the fruit of the tree of life went through a dark and dreary waste. Then after getting through the wilderness he was in, only after crying out to the Lord for mercy, he came to a large and spacious field. I liken the wilderness the James' addictions of his past that he has already overcome, now he's at the edge of this wilderness looking at the field. Lehi then talks of how he saw the tree of life and then still had to cross the field to get to it. He describes the fruit of the tree as being sweet above all that is sweet. James can see the tree and knows of it's sweetness because of meeting with the missionaries. I just like Lehi have been able to taste of that fruit, the fruit of the tree of life-the fruit of the love of God, or the Atonement. James can see where he came from, the progress he has already made, and where he wants to be and can be if he but chooses to be there. It was a great study and I am looking forward to our next visit to Chase and James. I am busy it's true but that is such a good thing. If I weren't busy I wouldn't be doing what I was called to do. I love you Mom!

Elder Jarman

A Change of Scenery

2009-08-19T09:54:00.000-07:00

August 19, 2009

Mother Dearest,

That was so weird to hear that the girls are already getting back into school, it came so soon it seems. Thanks for the update though. I will be praying for all my sisters as they further their education. That is way cool Louisa is in student government! I always wanted to do that but never got around to it I guess ha. Good to hear your committment to the temple is going wonderfully! What a great example you are mom, thank you. I was surprisingly transferred. I am actually thrilled about the move. I am still a Zone Leader, but what they've done is combined the Houston West and East zones into just the Houston East zone and brought in two new ZL's (my new companion and I) to whitewash (once again) the area. We are actually in a trio too. It's quite the mix up but I know that President Moldenhauer was inspired to make the changes he did. I am now serving in the Deer Park area in the Pasadena 2nd ward with Elder Clove (ZL) and Elder Christiansen. Elder Clove is probably the greatest missionary I will serve with on my mission. I have served around him before and was 6 months out when he joined the mission. He is a great example of diligence, obedience, and hard work, plus he's an incredible athlete- he played baseball for SUU before the mission and plans on going back. I am really so excited to say the least. He is from Enterprise Utah. Elder Christiansen is from Portland Oregon and is a great missionary. I am looking forward to my time here. I am feeling much better mom, thank you for asking. I remembered it was your anniversary today by the way, so happy anniversary! Can you believe that last year this time Benny May gave y'all a call ha, time flies. This'll be the last anniversary I miss out on. What a blessing it is to have the parents I do. Elder Christiansen's parents are going through a divorce after 25 years of marraige so it's really brought to light the fact that I have been thoroughly blessed with you both. Pray for him as he goes through this hard time. Being whitewashed into a new area is always a lot of hard work and right now we have a baptism that is set for Saturday with a 12 year old boy named Christian. The missionaries that were here previous really did a stand up job and left us a great area book so that helps a lot. We just got here Monday so we have just gone out and visited members and done some tracting to try and get familiar with our new territory. Things are going really well and are looking up that's for sure. I love you and appreciate all you do for me!

Love Elder JarmanDear

Dad,

You're a good man. Thank you for always being there for me Dad. Thank you for being a master teacher. That is something I have come to realize and am so grateful for is that you were constantly teaching, whether I was constantly learning is up for debate but the opportunity to was always there- so thank you.

I cannot wait to meet Elle, she sounds amazing. I am sure that you are only her favorite until she gets to meet me :) haha. What a blessing it is to have the gospel in our lives though. We come across a lot of domestic disputes down here and they are typically over the dumbest things, this happens in our home too, but the difference is that we have the gospel to help heal those wounds that were opened and repentance and forgiveness occurs and we move on oft times not even remembering what caused the rift. Without the gospel however I have noticed it is much harder to overcome those small differences and ties are severed a lot of times because of the poison of harboring bad feelings. What a blessing the gospel is. I know that it is the gospel that ties our family together and allows us to overcome our imperfections.

That is exciting to hear that school is up and running again. I still can't believe Hillary is in college... crazy. I sent her a belated birthday card today actually, I know it's late but hopefully she appreciates it. I was out of stamps when July 23rd came around and never got around to it ugh.

I have been transferred. After only one transfer in North Shore I was moved. I am now in Deer Park (Pasadena 2nd ward). They whitewashed us in, that makes 4 times for me now. I am still a zone leader. I am serving in a trio with Elder Clove (ZL from Enterprise UT) and Elder Christiansen (Portland OR). I couldn't be happier with my new assignment. We have a lot of work to do and it will require much focus and diligence. In our meeting last night with the Stake President and high councilman over missionary work it was brought to my attention that we as missionaries can do better at taking advantage of the PEC groups and ward correlation meetings we are having. That will be my focus this transfer- better utilitzing PEC and trying to formulate a method to teach other missionaries. A lot of the time its just a show and tell in those meetings but it should be much more.

I have yet to get my package but will expect delay now that I am transferred. Thank you for that though! I am excited to get it!

I love you Dad, thank you again for being steadfast and immovable.

Elder Jarman

It's Just a Matter of Time

2009-08-13T10:16:00.000-07:00

August 12, 2009

Dad!

Hey! Oh it was so good to read your letter you sent, thank you so much for that. I really enjoyed reading the talk you gave on covenants. I can relate to the part you shared about interviewing baptismal candidates. I really have loved my opportunity to do that. It's always a very spiritual experience. The only thing I would have added is a quote from Boyd K Packer about temple marraige and the power of that covenant, it's way too long for me to have memorized ha. A package really would hit the spot, definetly send pictures if anything.

12 Angry Men is such a good movie! I remember watching that in AP Psychology. That is way sweet y'all watched it for FHE.

The work out here is so different than anywhere I've been. We get a TON of referrals that we try to hunt down and do a lot of less active work. Sister Simpson is one less active that we have been working with in particular. There are so many just like her that are so warm and welcome with us as missionaries and even with ward members but that just don't come. We are working on building a solid relationship with her. Something else we have been working on is extending invitations to members, ya know all the time we are committing investigators to do this and that but now we are going to apply that to member work both active and less active. We are working with a few part member families, one in particular has a baptismal date for the 29th. Jason is the man's name and he loves the church but complications with previous marriages have postponed his baptism. He'll be baptized, it's just a matter of time. Lately our mission has taken quite a hit, President Moldenhauer has sent 6 missionaries home in the last week on account of disobedience. It was a definite eye opener for me. I can do better at trying to help those in need and be a better leader. It's a shame something like that had to happen. Transfers are coming up and I could be called down as a zone leader, I've been one for around 7 or 8 months now. I will take what I have learned and apply it to wherever I go. I hope that little blurb painted a picture of what is going on here.

I love you dad! Glad to hear you are alive after your monster bike ride haha.

Love Elder Jarman

An Incredible Gift

2009-08-13T10:14:00.000-07:00

August 12, 2009

Mom!

Hey! How are things?! It feels like it's been forever, at least for me anyway. I hope everything is going well. How has your temple attendance been coming? I remember you had that goal long ago to go more often. I really have had a hard time adapting here but I am certain that is only because of me and nobody else, so who else can fix it but me? Really it's such a different place ha, unlike anywhere I have been before. Attitude is everything. I have been pondering so much lately on agency and how incredible a gift it is. It is a gift of love, pure parental love. It's not that Heavenly Father trusts that we'll all do all he has set out for us to do, it's that he loves us enough to let us do what we want to do. He has given us so much.

I am so grateful for you mom, I love you so much! How are Tyler and Courtney doing? Tell them I say hi.

Love Elder Jarman

The Ultimate Pursuit of Happiness

2009-08-13T10:12:00.000-07:00

August 5, 2009

Dearest Mom,

It sounds like yet another eventful week in the Jarman household. Braces off?! That is sweet. I do like the street preach approach but it's not very effective ha. Really the most effective way is through the members, and we have struggled to get the members involved. It's just a tough time for now but things will change I am sure. I am doing a lot better. I have had a great opportunity in this area to learn about humility. I am going to make the necessary changes to be happy and work hard. I know that this church is true and that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world and that I absolutely depend on him and need him. Sharing the message of the restoration with Houston is such an honor. I love you. I had such an incredible childhood and the best parents a boy could ask for. I like to think that because of the missionary efforts everywhere some little boy will be able to have a childhood like mine with parents who are righteous and want to be together forever. That is the ultimate pursuit of happiness right there, eternal life.

Elder Jarman loves you

I Love Serving

2009-08-13T10:10:00.000-07:00

July 29, 2009

hey dad!

Things are going pretty well. My new area is so foreign to anywhere I have been before and it's been hard to adapt. Seeing Israel get baptized was such a good experience. He is such a good kid. He has strengthened my testimony of the change that occurs when one finds the true gospel. Before his baptism he was super shy and kinda cold but now he's so different. It's a blessing to witness such things. The work here is good. We are working a lot with part member families still and finding much success there.

I was saddened to see so many deaths in the ward. I can't believe how much has changed since I left. I will pray for those affected that is for sure.

That will be nice to see cait and elle again i am sure. i didn't even know steve had his mission call, where is he going?

i don't have anything for you at the moment on covenants but i will next week i promise.

i love serving dad. its a wonderful experience that will stay with me forever. i have learned so much about so many things but most importantly the importance and seriousness of making and keeping covenants and how they lead us to salvation. i love you and thank you for being such a great father.

love elder jarman

Street Preachers

2009-08-13T10:06:00.000-07:00

July 29, 2009

mom!

hey! that is so crazy about all those people in the ward passing away. my heart goes out to all the families effected.

that was comforting to hear about tyler and getting some relief from that doctor. i agree that that was no coincidence. how are he and court doing?

the work here is going good. we are doing a lot of part member work. we don't do much tracting but contact at a big bus stop where i get to feel like a street preacher haha. elder roman is a great missionary and friend. we get along great, but for some reason i have just been homesick. i can't really pinpoint why either. i'll get over it i assume. that's fun you and dad get to go 4 wheeling, be careful!

love elder jarman

There is a Lot of Work to be Done Here

2009-08-13T10:04:00.000-07:00

July 22, 2009

Mom!

Well it sounds like you and Emma are just having a party while everyone else is gone, good for you. I am doing good! We have a baptism tonight. His name is Israel, he's 16, and we started teaching him last week. He's been coming to church for a long time and is so ready for his baptism. Elder Roman and I also are working with a family and another part member family on baptism. There is a lot of work to be done here. Yesterday was our zone conference and it was great. President Moldenhauer is such a nice and loving man. Emma has grown 6 inches?! Holy smokes... that's a lot of inches. Good that Rob did swell in reporting, tell him i say hi. Berk is prego?! Congratulations. Thats so cool. Sounds like Danny is keeping busy, goodness #1 in the company.

Ya know I haven't really been homesick until now. I really have missed you so much and just hanging on you. I am not struggling- I wouldn't call it that- but I am definitely missing home. So... that really sucks. haha. I miss you mom. Pray for me. I love you.

Elder Jarman

...A Lot More Crazy People

2009-07-15T10:32:00.000-07:00

hey mom!

Houston is so great. It's so different than any area I have been in previous but i like that. there are a lot more humble people here, also a lot more crazy people but i'll take the balance. my area is technically known as Northshore, in the pine trails ward, but my address is Houston- not sure why. i go back to the dentist on friday but i have a meeting that morning so i will most likely be postponing my appointment which i am not happy about but that's life. thank you for sharing that story with me about filling the font mom! it takes about an hour to fill the font down here so ask to have more pressure next time, like in Rudy ha. i love you so much and am so grateful for you. the library i email in now doesn't allow as much time so my emails will be shorter, sorry.
love elder jarman

You Only Get Two Years To Do This and the Rest of Your Life To Reflect On It

2009-07-15T10:26:00.000-07:00

Dad,

I can't express how valuable a weekend this last one was to me. Words fail to describe the emotions and feelings but I will do my best. Eddie Ray was baptized! Independence Day for Eddie will never be the same. He became independent from sin and from the darkness of the world on that day, what a great moment. There was hardly anyone from the ward in town so we invited our zone ha, a ton of missionaries showed up and supported Eddie. It was a great event. President Moldenhauer even came with his sweet wife. The spirit was strong all throughout and Eddie never stopped smiling. The confirmation too was incredible. I'd never done that before but just like when I blessed that baby in Jasper the realization came to me of just how powerful the priesthood is. Words just spilled out of my mouth that I didn't realize I was saying until they were out. It was awesome Dad. It was tough to say goodbye to that family and the Kingwood 2nd ward. I have been transferred to Northshore. It's the "hood" as the kids would say. A lot of ethnicity and not much white folk. It is really close to downtown too. I am now with Elder Roman who is from Rancho Cucamonga, California (a mouthful huh?) He is a great missionary and friend. I went from being in the largest zone in the mission to the smallest ha. It should be a nice change for a while.

Rob is home?! Oh man that's crazy. And Downing Van Buren is going to Cali?! Elder Roman said that he lives in the San Bernadino mission and that the mission home is in his hometown who'd a thunk. That is so exciting. Tell D VanB congrats from me and that he'll do great.

I'll bet you had fun with Cait and Elle. I finally got to watch the DVD of Elle! She is SOOOOO adorable. I watched it with the Ray family and they loved it haha, especially Cait haha.

Tell the family I say hi and that I love them dearly. I am grateful for this opportunity to serve, you only get two years to do this and the rest of your life to reflect on it. I love this work dad.

Elder Jarman

I'm Gonna Miss Those Cap'n Crunch Styled Outfits

2009-07-15T10:24:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon Mom!

You didn't even bother to tell me Michael Jackson-the King of Pop- is dead! I cannot believe this... :) just jokin. But seriously that is crazy. I'm gonna miss those crazy good dance moves and cap'n crunch styled outfits, good thing I have adapted both into my lifestyle.

Well I am doing better. My health took a hit but I am on the up and up now. Rosemary is getting married, weird. Everyone is married I swear.

My holiday weekend will be great! I am so excited for Eddie's baptism. We got him a quad with his name on it, he'll love it I'm sure. Really Eddie is such a great man and I hope you get to meet him one day. His family is so awesome too. The kids are hilarious. Brooke is like Hillary to the T, I swear.

I love you Mom,

Fireworks Got Nothin' On This

2009-07-03T08:35:00.000-07:00

Dad,

I agree about the worst part of being sick is not being able to preach the gospel. especially not being able to see the Ray family for a few days. I was however quarantined with one of my favorite missionaries, Elder Dowies. He and I were on exchanges and he had been having health issues prior to when I started feeling the same way. So we were confined to his apartment for quite some time. I am doing a lot better now but am still a little bit nauseous. Elder Dowies and I made the most of our time together though. I will not be putting off the dentist that's for sure. Other than the health issues I am doing really good. Eddie is all set for his baptism this weekend! His interview was done by Elder Fairbourn and he said it was great. Elder Lybbert was asked to baptize him and I have been asked to confirm. It will be an incredible 4th that's for sure. Fireworks got nothin' on this haha.

That is so good to hear about those bretheren being brought back to full fellowship in the church! We have had a few Elders who have been disfellowshipped since I have been out and I can only imagine what they are going through. As a result of being sick I missed out on church and really it was awful. The first time in almost 16 months that I haven't partaken of the sacrament. I cannot wait til next week to renew my covenants.

It sounds like you are still keeping fit. Good to hear you and Thayne are still playmates ha. He's a good man. Tell him and Sister Wilson I say hello. I can't wait to be able to hike a mountain again, they have become so foreign to me haha.

I love you!

Elder Jarman

I am Doing Better

2009-07-03T08:32:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon Mom!

You didn't even bother to tell me Michael Jackson-the King of Pop- is dead! I cannot believe this... :) just jokin. But seriously that is crazy. I'm gonna miss those crazy good dance moves and cap'n crunch styled outfits, good thing I have adapted both into my lifestyle.

Well I am doing better. My health took a hit but I am on the up and up now. My teeth/gums are no bueno and I am going to the dentist tomorrow most likely. I have a feeling that helped with me getting what i think was the flu. Rosemary is getting married, weird. Everyone is married I swear.

My holiday weekend will be great! I am so excited for Eddie's baptism. We got him a quad with his name on it, he'll love it I'm sure. Really Eddie is such a great man and I hope you get to meet him one day. His family is so awesome too. The kids are hilarious. Brooke is like Hillary to the T, I swear.

I love you Mom,

Elder Jarman

Tracting is Almost Dangerous

2009-06-24T10:02:00.000-07:00

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

I Love Being Able to Witness This Change

2009-06-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

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

I Have A Strong Testimony that the Gospel Changes Lives

2009-06-17T09:55:00.000-07:00

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

Attitude Is Everything

2009-06-17T09:54:00.000-07:00

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

For Some Reason I Felt Otherwise

2009-06-17T09:51:00.000-07:00

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

ALL Things That are Joyous Lead to Righteousness

2009-06-03T12:52:00.000-07:00

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

"Cease to be Idle"

2009-06-03T12:49:00.000-07:00

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

I Don't Want Blue Skies and Popsicles Every day

2009-05-27T09:25:00.000-07:00

I got a new companion this week! He is the man.
His name is Elder Lybbert. He's from the South
East corner of Washington State - a city called
Burbank. He was just called as a Zone Leader
and has so much zeal for the work. We have
already, in only two days of serving with
eachother, been able to have some wonderful
experiences. Last night was one of them.
Our assistant ward mission leader, Brother
Arntsen, and another member, Brother Hendricks,
teamed up on their boss at work and invited him
to hear the message of the restoration. So Elder
Lybbert and I were so privileged to be the one's
to share it with him. He is a former pastor and
very well versed in the Bible. We didn't share
anything that we didn't know. That's one thing I
have come to realize in any teaching situation is
that all I have to do is say what I know to be
true. It was a great lesson to say the least.
Their boss agreed to read from and pray about the
Book of Mormon. He had a few hold ups here and there
but we were able to bear testimony of the keystone
of our religion and that it is the way to know
whether or not what we believe is true. Something
to share with the missionaries is just say what
you know, and don't be afraid to say something
that isn't part of the lesson. All the lessons
are true and all truth invites the Spirit. If the
Spirit prompts you to say something then say it.

Another talk I have been studying lately is one
from President Eyring when he was still Elder
Eyring. It's called Coming Unto Christ. It's
an incredible talk.I was so glad to hear that
y'all had a peaceful happy joy filled Memorial
Day weekend. I had you on my mind that's for sure.
What a blessing it is to know the Plan of
Salvation and to be able to share that knowledge
with the world. Also what a blessing adversity is.
If it weren't for hard times I would not appreciate
the Savior for what he accomplished. The
Atonement is magnified for me when I am weakest.
It lifts me up where I know God wants me to
be as his son. All the adversity we go through
is for an eternal purpose and for our own personal
growth. It gives us the experience necessary to
come before our creator prepared and ready for
the infinite. I don't want blue skies and popsicles
every day.

I loved that poem you shared thank you Dad. It is
Heaven on Earth for me because of my family. As
we know that Heaven is just a continuation of the
ideal home. You are ideal Dad. You make me want
to be a better person so that I can make a
difference and bring about a better tomorrow.

Love Elder Jarman

I Got a New Companion

2009-05-27T09:23:00.000-07:00

Mom,

You love babies so much haha. I do too though, it must come from you, probably Dad too though. That must be nice having Elle and Cait in town. I cannot wait to meet that girl. It sounds like Memorial Day was a success in the good day department. I too had a good one, I got a new companion! Elder Lybbert, he is a great missionary and friend. We get along so well haha. We are going to have some good times I can already tell. Also! I got the package y'all sent! Thank you SOOO much. I greatly appreciate the package. The pants both fit great too. I am excited for you in your calling. I know you'll do a great job. I met a woman the other day, on exchanges in Atascocita, that knew Grandpa and Grandma Jarman, she was in their ward in Provo just a few years ago. Her name is sister LaSeuer. Anyway, just thought I would add that. So do you put only my email to you on the blog or do you combine dad's and yours? Just wondering since I never look at it. Congratulations on finishing the Book Of Mormon! Isn't that such a good feeling ha. I love you Mom. I love who you are. You are a beacon of charity in my life and I am and forever will be grateful for you.

Love Elder Jarman

"Beware of Pride"

2009-05-20T09:26:00.000-07:00

Dad,

What a blessing it is to have a righteous father.
So many people do not have that blessing. I
hope you know that I am grateful beyond measure.
This past week has been interesting. I lost both
my companions, one to an emergency transfer that
occurred and the other has become a training
assistant. So now I am with Elder Digerness and
Elder Fairbourn, again, but only til Monday when
the new ZL will be called. So that has been a good
experience. Something new in the mission is that we
are working harder than ever. The goals of our zone
are being met consistently. It's been a great thing
to see the progression made.

Mom is in the Stake Primary Presidency?! That is so
awesome! You're right she will do a great job. I too
wish that the effectiveness of the PEC and ward
councils could go up. We have started to co-ordinate
with our WML throughout the week and are planning on
meeting with our High Councilman often too.

Recently I have been reading talks and I came across
"Beware of Pride" by Ezra Taft Benson. I must say that
it is my favorite. He really hits home the importance
of humility. He calls pride the great vice and stumbling
block of Zion. God's people will be humble and it's up
to us to change to meet that standard. Just as Alma 32
teaches it is better that we humble ourselves than have
God humble us. Anyway I encourage you to read that talk,
it's great. I know I have a long way to go in being the
son God wants me to be.


I love you! The work is going great. Thank you for all
your support and love.
Elder Jarman

It's a Good Test of Patience and Faith

2009-05-14T07:12:00.000-07:00

Family!

I too am still feeling the effects of Sunday's phone call. What a blessing it was to speak with my wonderful family. I am so grateful for the love and support I have gotten am getting and will get from all of you. I am glad to hear you received my pictures, good to hear. Brother Scott McGee is the man in the picture. He is a member. He LOVES missionaries. He is such an amazing man. We get phone calls from him all the time at all hours of the day haha. He is always giving us weather updates. Being around him and seeing his positive outlook on life has strengthened me so much.

I was thinking of things I need and really just the crepes recipe will do.

That is so sweet you get to speak in the Priesthood Leadership meeting Dad! I can only imagine you will do a great job, power point eh? Good for Hillary for graduating from seminary! She has made good choices in life it's true.

Well the work here is going a little bit slower. A lot of our investigators have either stopped progressing or are just taking it at a slow pace. It's a good test of patience and faith though. I need to develop greater faith to find those who are prepared to receive us and ask that you pray for me in that regard. I love you! Thank you again for all you do.

Elder Jarman

"Do I Really Know What I Have?"

2009-05-06T09:34:00.000-07:00

Dad,

The battle goes well. I was pleased to read that
Chad stopped by the house, it's about time ha.
I am glad that you enjoyed his company and that
you were able to hear some stories haha. I love
the memories made on a mission, so many good times.

I hope Grandpa Jarman is doing ok now. He sent me
a letter this past week with such a wonderful poem
in it entitled "thankfulness". It really helped me
to once again realize all that I have been given.
Mosiah 4:19-21 comes to my mind when thinking of
what to be thankful for. What a great man. I pray
for he and Grandma every night, as well as Grandma
Knell of course.

I can't wait to get home and aid in the missionary
efforts there. It sounds like so many great things
are taking place, 38 baptisms in one ward?! That is
a miracle.

Our services get out at 2:30 your time, so right in
the middle of church and that is when we had
arranged to call home from one of the members houses...
So I don't know if I will be able to call at any other
time than that. I guess I will call the house at 2:30
your time and see what happens?

Lately I have been really pondering on sacrifce and what
I can give up to become a more devoted servant of the Lord.
Also what can I sacrifice to have the Spirit more abundant
in my life. So we ridded ourselves of the weight bench
we had. President Moldenhauer has spoken a lot about
sanctifying the mission of any distractions and I feel
that I can get just as good a work out without it than
with it. It's sad to see some of the distractions we have
in our lives. Also I have been studying a little bit from
Jesus The Christ. What an amazing book! My testimony of our
pre mortal existence has grown so much. One line that I
still remember and love is this "Foreordination implies
and comprizes pre existence as an essential condition."
So many people believe in foreordination but not a pre
existence, it's so sad. I know that we did exist before
this life and that we were and are the literal children
of God. What a great feeling that brings. I am often
asking myself "Do I truly know what I have?" We are so
blessed to have the knowledge we do of the Plan of
Salvation.

I love you Dad and look forward to hearing from you on Sunday,
 again I will call around 2:30 or 2:45 your time.

I Look Forward to Sunday

2009-05-06T09:33:00.000-07:00

Mom,

It sounds like the past week was full of excitement and fun. That is good to hear. I am glad you enjoyed Chad's visit. He is a good guy haha. Dad did inform me of Grandpa Jarman's scare. I am glad to hear that he is ok though, same with Grandma's Jarman and Knell. I received a very touching email from Abe that I fear I wont be able to reply to due to shortness of time, at least not today so until I can reply will you tell him that I loved it. It really opened my eyes. Tell him I love him and that I will be praying for him and his back trouble. It really was such a good email, he should write a book.

Things here are good, thank you for the shoes! I needed them badly. I may need you to just get me pants. The teaching goes well, I look forward to Sunday to be able to fully explain things. Writing it only does so much. I will be calling around 2:45 your time so sadly right in the middle of church... I hope that's not too inconvenient.
I love you

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY coming up

Elder Jarman

The Best Dad Out There

2009-04-29T09:57:00.000-07:00

Hey Dad,

So it's been pretty wet there eh? What do we get
on average each year in precipitation? Because
this past week we got in one day 9 inches. I
can't believe how much it rains here. It just
keeps going. Thank you for sending those shoes.
I look forward to getting those soon.

That is so not true anymore about the house
being the no fun zone dad! haha. I apologize,
once again, for ever saying that. I was just
a punk kid. Chad likes Texas food. He's a
machine when it comes to food so make
lots ha.

I have been so surprised at how poorly some
fathers are at communicating with their sons.
I have been blessed that's for sure to have
the BEST dad out there. We continue to work
with Keith and he continues to progress.

Tell Sis. Scarpino hi from me! I loved hearing
about her. She's such a great person.

Yesterday we had our temple Zone conference
and what an experience it was. The temple is
so incredible. I love it there. I cannot wait
to go there with my sweet heart, you are a
lucky man. You have told me before how beautiful
mom is yes haha, what a guy. I love you dad.
I love how well you treat my mom. You're a good
man.

Love Warner

The Temple Trip Was Just What I Needed

2009-04-29T09:53:00.000-07:00

Mom,

I heard about that email from President Moldenhauer, what a great man. The storms have been so crazy here lately, 9 inches in one day earlier this week. We got stranded at a members house (who's brother in law is Larry Porters son weird) until 9:30. The roads were streams, no joke. Yeah mother's day calls for 30-40 minutes... ugh. The work is indeed moving at a great pace. The kingwood zone had 11 baptisms this last month, which hasn't happened... ever I don't think. It's been such a privilege to serve around diligent servants of the Lord. I am excited for the arrival of shoes! I don't know if I have money in my account or not... I guess I'll give it a shot. You may want to check on that account if you haven't been. I have been feeling overwhelmed lately. The temple trip was just what I needed. I always feel so loved when I go to the temple. It makes me home sick almost because of how similar the two feel. I never thought my home could be that loving but it just goes to show you don't know what you got til it's gone. I love you mom

elder jarman

It is so Great to see Progression in Others

2009-04-22T09:58:00.000-07:00

Dad!
You are so welcome for the letter. I can and will do
better at sending letters from now on. I do need new
basketball shoes, desperately. I totally forgot about
those black Nike Shox! They were always a bit too long
and caused many a jammed toes, but they will do.
What other basketball shoes do I still have around?
My clothes are doing alright. I gave a couple pairs of
pants to Elder Hanson because he only had one pair so I
am low in that category. Also my garments are pretty
beat up so I think I am going to purchase some on the
28th of April when we go to the temple.
(I am so excited!!!) Just a heads up though. So I
guess really all I could use would be a pair of pants,
preferably un pleated. We are teaching a
lot of people, it is sooo great. We had a baptismal date
set with Keith for the 25th but it will be moved to some
time in May as he works to overcome chewing tobacco.
There is so much potential here. The next transfer will
be May 25th, so not for a while. My allergies do continue
to give me fits especially in the mornings. I am almost
done with an entire tissue box I got last week just to
give you a picture. OH! This past week I was able to go
on an exchange with Elder Digerness, you remember him
right? My old comp from Jasper. It rained ALL DAY and
we were on bikes. It was a great moment though. I couldn't
help but smile as I rode my bike through 2 feet of
standing water,pants completely soaked. It was wonderful
haha. Diggy has changed so much since our time together,
in many ways he is the same but he has changed that's for
sure. He is more confident and bold. It is so great to see
progression in others. It sounds like Cali was a success!
Good! In all honesty I would LOVE to go on a trip when I
get home. I would say April would probably be best, but
really I will do whatever. I was just thinking that the
summer I could get going in school is why.

I love you dad. Thank you for the example of what a
goodly parent is. I have been so blessed to have been
born of such goodly parents.

Love Elder Jarman

I Keep My Sense of Urgency in Doing This Great Work

2009-04-22T09:53:00.000-07:00

Mom!

I am glad that you enjoyed my letter :) I am definitely keeping busy, it's such a good feeling to have so much to do. I keep my sense of urgency in doing this great work. As a Zone Leader we get to work pretty close to President Moldenhauer, especially since we cover Kingwood. We see him quite a bit. We have a monthly meeting with both he and the stake president as well as a monthly meeting with he and all the ZL's in the mission. Also every transfer (6 week period) we get to have a personal interview with him, but that's not specific to being a ZL that is for all the missionaries. That is so good to hear California was a blast! I have enjoyed similar weather for quite some time now :) except for when it rains.
I love you Mom! I can't wait to talk to you in just a few short weeks! Can you believe it? Already it's almost Your Day.

Love Elder Jarman

I Always Love a Good Parcel or Package

2009-04-22T09:50:00.000-07:00

April 15, 2009

Mom,

Hey! Cali eh? Lucky. I was so happy to see that you are going to be able to attend the temple there! I pray for you every night in that regard ya know. What a blessing it is to have so many temples. I have a newly lit desire to attend the temple now and cannot wait to be able to go whenever I want. That is sweet you had the get together at our home. I am sure that much love was felt. I always felt loved at home and can remember that feeling quite prevalently. Thank you for contributing to that love. Everything here is going swell. I did indeed get the goodies haha thank you. I always love a good parcel or package. I have been on a big fear God kick lately and was reading in Ecclesiastes and came across 12:13 "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments for this is the whole duty of man." I love that verse. Of course we shouldn't "fear" God but we should revere him or respect him, at least that is what I think the definition is. Just like I shouldn't be scared of Sam but I should love and respect him. To show God we care about him we keep his commandments. Anyway I just thought it was a good little diddy. I love you mom. I am so proud of your temple attendance!

Elder Jarman

The Baptism Went as Planned

2009-04-10T07:43:00.000-07:00

Hey Mama!

My week was so good! The baptism did indeed go as planned. It was such a nice program and Stephen was beaming. What a blessing it was to witness that. Our teaching pool is getting pretty big. We have found a family that we hope to see progress, the Grimlands. They are a very active baptist family that seek truth and our message has caught their eye. We have had some great lessons with them. Joey, the dad, invited us to play basketball with him at his church on thursday nights so through approval from President we will be doing that. Keith Thompson too continues to progress and is getting ready for his 25th of April baptism. He has strengthened my testimony so much of talking to everyone. He called me his guardian angel last visit, it was a wonderful moment. Conference was so amazing! I loved it. I loved Elder Hollands talk, Christ's atonement was truly the loneliest journey ever. He is such a powerful speaker. My favorite talk was President Monson's on being of good cheer. Also I loved President Uchtdorf's on what matters most. I really needed to hear that. I love the humbling that occurs when our leaders speak. They really stressed the importance of the temple and our covenants and I got to thinking of you and your commitment to attend the temple often. I am so grateful for you and the example you have set. What a woman! So thank you. That is no fun about Abe, I wrote him an email last week in reply to his to me. He is such a good man. What an amazing family we have. I was thinking a lot of Mark and Julie this conference weekend as well and the example of being of good cheer and handling adversity. I love them. California sounds like it will be fun! That was always my favorite trip, listening to Billy Joel and James Taylor going to the Redwood forest. Good times. That's too bad about ... I guess ya live and ya learn right? I'll pray for him. Same with Tom Hanks. I am still upset about that. Dang you Tom. He is still our brother though and a son of God. My apartment number is 710. You are so incredible mom, I love you.

Elder Jarman

Anywho...

2009-03-25T12:45:00.000-07:00

I totally agree that time flies. Hillary is graduating in just a few months! That blows my mind. Anywho, my week was good. We had an incredible zone conference which I was able to speak at. We focused on the baptismal commitment. I spoke on asking specific direct and clear questions. It seems to be a theme in our mission to become too close of friends with the investigators more like a good old boys relationship rather than what it should be and so we as missionaries are hesitant to extend the invitation to be baptized. Since our zone conference the zone and mission has exploded in baptismal dates. Now it's all about following up! We have set 2 dates. Stephen we had to set back, again, which totally fires me up, to April the 4th. It's so his family can be there which is understandable but still ya know. The other date we set was with Keith. We went over the plan of salvation with him yesterday and were reviewing at the end of the lesson the kingdoms of glory haha it was so funny. We asked him what they were and he replied "Celestial, terriestrial, and testicle." I about died haha. He realized his err and laughed too. It was hilarious. We have a long way to go with him but he's set to be baptized on april 25th.

That is soooo sweet you got to watch Elle. I can't wait until I get to! I bet the temple dedication was just wonderful. I remember the first one I went to and how strong the spirit was. That Jarman party sounds like it was fun haha. I hope you took pictures. I hope Grandma Knell too is doing well.

I love you mom!

Elder Jarman

Elle Is So Beautiful!

2009-03-25T12:42:00.000-07:00

March 18, 2009

MOM!

Thank you so much for the package! I loved it! Elle is so beautiful! Oh my goodness. What a sight it was to see her. The house, oh man, it looks good. I love pictures :)

The work goes well. We plan to baptize Stephen when he returns home from his spring break trip. Yesterday we were able to help out another investigator Stuart. He is 50 and a bachelor, his doublewide is a mess and his yard is riddled with crap. He does his laundry with his neighbors hose and then hangs his clothes on his fence. So we decided to clean his place up for him while he was at work. We did his laundry at our place and it just felt good to help him. We have others we are working with including the Carlton family who are showing a lot of potential. Thank you for your prayers. I am doing really good. My allergies are still giving me fits but that is expected down here. I don't really know what else to say about me other than I am good. I will work on getting some pictures for you.

I love you
Elder Jarman

Tell Me All There is to Know About My Niece, Please :)

2009-03-25T12:39:00.000-07:00

March 11, 2009

Mom!

So tell me all there is to know about my niece, please :) I had a dream about Elle the other night, it was so tender. I woke up in tears ha. I love that girl so much already! What was the official birthday? I wanna know all the stats. Does she cry? What's her room look like? Is she being shown pictures of me? :) haha. I am just so excited about all this as you can tell. Is Cait doing ok? Better yet how is Danny boy? Life is so good...

How are Tyler and Court? Still being awesome? I hear from them every so often. I love this family. The girls being good? Update me please.

I can't believe it's been a year. It feels just like yesterday that I left. Time is flying by. Texas is good. It's a very strange place. Maybe one day you will come visit.

I am now in a trio with Elders Wilson and Hanson. Still here in Porter. It's different that's for sure. Elder Hanson is from Idaho and is just a little rough around the edges, bless his heart.

I love this work. I love my family.

Love Elder Jarman

"The Foundation of Happiness is Thinking Rightly"

2009-03-25T12:34:00.000-07:00

March 4, 2009

Mother!
How are you?! How wonderful life is! I can't wait for that baby to come into the world. How exciting... ha. I am doing really good! Yes I am well mom :) I've started to lose weight actually... so that's good I guess. I am very happy too. I came across a quote from Benjamin Franklin in this months Ensign that I love "The foundation of happiness is thinking rightly." It's so true. Thoughts dictate who we really are and I am glad to say I like who I am and am grateful for the ability to think. The teaching is going good. We taught Steven the plan of salvation last night and it went really well. He is still excited about baptism and we are too. His date will be 14 March. We have a few other investigators who are close too.

In other news Elder Nelson, my trainer, is home... what a strange thing to say goodbye to him it was. I told him to go by the house and he said he hopes to this Saturday. I can honestly say he is a best friend of mine. I love that guy ha. He and Elder Madsen as well have been such good friends to me. Elder Madsen will probably be with Nelson if they come by. It's Chad Nelson and Rob Madsen now I guess, weird.

I hope all is well. I pray for you daily and have been especially focusing on your commitment to the temple, how has that been going?

Love Elder Jarman

We Continue to Work Hard

2009-03-25T12:32:00.000-07:00

Feb. 25, 2009
Mom!

Hey! Elder Wilson and I played racquet ball this morning with a member and Elders Mack and Funk so we ended up emailing later than usual, sorry for the inconvenience. How are you?! I bet you are growing in the christlike attribute of patience with this baby on the way.

The plans for Steven are still on. He is such a solid young man. He told us he is determined to be baptized and serve a mission. His mother just had surgery on the 24th so he wants to wait until March 14th to be baptized so his mom can be healed up, we'll see what happens though. Thank you so much for your prayers and all you do in regards to the work. How is your missionary work coming?

We are working with this man named Stuart Lunsford who is so hilarious. He is your stereotypical Texan only without the accent ha. He's a work in progress but we know he has a desire to change so we won't lose hope. As for reactivating anyone we are still a ways off but we continue to work hard.

Thank you for all you do for me again. I love and appreciate you so much!

Love
Elder Jarman

Perpetually Recovering from My Allergy to Cats

2009-02-18T12:56:00.000-08:00

Mom,

Oh today I am perpetually recovering from my allergy to cats. Yesterday was probably the worst reaction I have had thus far haha. It's always a little funny to see my face swell up the way it does. I am A OK no worries, just a bit swollen and my eyes are killing me (I am squinting as I type).

I am so excited still for this dear girl to come into the world. I have been around children so much lately and I absolutely love them! I always ask what ages kids are in hopes to find a 1 year old just so I know what I will be able to come home to in my niece!

That is wretched news about the pipe bursting. I bet that was tough. I still don't quite understand what all you have done to the house but I guess time will tell right? Ha.

Missionary work here is going good! We have a very strange ward in the fact that most are from Utah and RMs and such but it's mixed with some of the more country native Texans, they don't mesh we'll just say. A lot of the less actives in our ward are former bishops and elders quoroms presidents, they just don't come because of the division that there is here. We are working to fix that problem though be assured. We have been working with an 18 year old young man named Steven Caldera and he has accepted the invitation to be baptized on March 7. I pray that this will work out and I would ask you and the family to keep Steven in your prayers.

I did get my package! I was so excited! Thank you so so so much! Those booties help out so much haha.

I love you Mom
Elder Jarman

"Iron Like a Lion in Zion"

2009-02-18T12:53:00.000-08:00

Mom!

Still snowing?! Oh man that's rough. It's been so pleasent here lately. Sweating season doesn't hit til about May if I remember correctly. The spring here is to die for. This week I am doing really well. I am really enjoying where I am, who I am with, and what I am doing. I love being a missionary mom, moreso than I think I even know. It's an incredible time in my life. I am not taking it for granted that is for sure.

Sounds like you are loving being back in the house! That's good. Dad says you have done a great job getting things done. Your Sunday sounded lovely. I miss those gatherings ha. Great memories.

I am so excited to be an uncle! I hear Cait's about ready to pop haha, I still have seen no solid evidence of it but I do have faith haha.

I suppose I am getting the hang of things as a zone leader. We had an amazing zone meeting last week. Our zone is good but it has the potential to be so great. I spoke on obedience and told them I loved them and just bore testimony of what obedience has done for me. I quoted a Bob Marley song too haha, I told them to be "Iron like a Lion in Zion" and related it to Mosiah 5:15 which speaks of being steadfast and immovable, I felt that it applied. I love this work mother. I love you.

Love
Elder W. Dean Jarman

The Empty Pot

2009-02-04T10:26:00.000-08:00

Hey Dad,

Do you remember that book you always shared with us as
kids? Ping and the Empty Pot? Well I do. I want you to
know that it taught me a lot. I was pondering during my
personal studies about why I am the way I am and what I
learned up to this point in life to make me that way and
Ping and the Empty Pot came to my mind. Thank you for
taking the time when I was in my youth to read to me,
and not just fairy tales but books that taught lessons.
Integrity is something you have, and it's a blessing to
look to you as an example of that, thank you for teaching
for understanding things such as integrity.

Additional responsibilities that I have I suppose are
taking phone calls from the DL's and having them report
on their districts, gathering all the weekly and monthly
numbers and progressing investigators then reporting those
to President, a lot more love for my mission and other
missionaries, and I probably left out a few things but hey
I am still new alright ha. That's so crazy that you had to
pick up money and stuff haha. So you were kinda like the
IRS? Did you notice that missionaries were different after
you were called into leadership? Like oh hey look here comes
the ZL everybody be quiet haha.

So back in the house eh? How is that going? Lots of small
stuff to do still it sounds like. I still can't quite
comprehend what has gone on to my house... but I am sure
it's great.

Tithing... hmmm... I guess use Malachai 3:10 and really just
stress that it is a commandment from God. God only gives us
commandments so that he can bless us. We are blessed through
our obedience just as D&C 130 talks about. Best o luck!

I love you
Elder Jarman

It's a Bother but Oh Well

2009-02-04T10:23:00.000-08:00

Mom :)

I love you mom! I really got emotional this past week as mothers were discussed on a few occasions. President Moldenhauer in mission council talked about mothers and I just could not hold back the tears. I am so grateful for you.

10 1/2 months... you have been working on the house basically since I have been gone haha. That just is so strange. I can't wait to see what you have done with the place.

Zone leading is good mom haha. To be honest I didn't want to even tell you I was a zone leader but then realized that president probably sent you a letter saying I had been called to be a ZL. It's really a great opportunity to grow in love for everyone. The teaching is going alright, being white washed in is always tough because neither of us knows anything about the area. We have a few investigators who have a lot of addiction struggles. So Elder Wilson and I have gotten a copy of the church's addiction recovery program and are going to learn it so we can help our investigators work through their problems. You really learn to love the sinner and hate the sin while serving. My health is great except that I am still very allergic to cats. I have had a few allergy attacks in homes where cats are present, it's a bother but oh well. I have been working out a lot harder and so that too helps with feeling good, we have a bench in our apartment!

I love you

Elder Jarman

P.S.

2009-02-04T10:22:00.000-08:00

I failed to mention that yesterday L Tom Perry came and spoke to our mission and the Houston mission. It was so amazing. He talked to us about finding our own way to have the spirit with us and also shared 5 principles of teaching. Which is funny because in Jasper a less active told us about the 5 keys to learning. I also got to see Kolby again and this time we were able to go to lunch together! I love you!

"I teach the men righteous principles and let them govern themselves."

2009-02-04T10:20:00.000-08:00

Mom!

In the house this weekend! About time wouldn't ya say? That's exciting! Just in time for the baby shower, sweet! So is St. George going good? I hope so. I always loved that place. It sounds like you have all put a ton of effort into the house and one thing I have learned and have a strong testimony of is you get out what you put in and it sounds like the house will be a great example of that.

I am doing really good. Being a Zone Leader is so different. You really have so much less personal time. Lots of ministering and administering. It's a very different experience but still so wonderful. My philosophy I have taken on as a Zone Leader comes from Joseph Smith he once said "I teach the men righteous principles and let them govern themselves." I am not one to tolerate disobedience though so if something does get out of hand then proper correction takes place. President Moldenhauer is the perfect example of that, the way he handles things is amazing and always done in love. He definitely builds up to build up which is also something I am going to try and apply to my leadership role.

Thank you for the hug haha. I love you so much mom, dad too. I don't even know my new address haha. I haven't had any time to do really anything but work. I will get on that though ok.

I love you
Elder Jarman

Great Things Are Going to Happen

2009-01-22T13:31:00.000-08:00

Mom!

Hey! I love you today you know. You are such a wonderful person and truly the greatest mother in my world. I know that what you taught me has been a great help to me in the mission field. I have been transferred to Kingwood. My companion, Elder Wilson, and I have been white washed in, that makes 3 times for me to white wash, and I couldn't be more excited. I was truly humbled this transfer to be called as a Zone Leader. So that came as a shock to me, but I am up for the challenge. I have never heard of Zone Leaders being white washed but I have come to see that the Lord works in mysterious ways. I just know that great things are going to happen. Leaving Jasper was very tough and all but I know that Kingwood will be just as great an area if my attitude is right. I love missionary work and am really focusing on recognizing the spirit.

So still not in the house eh? When are you expecting that to be in? Did Emma get my birthday letter I sent her? I hope so. So many people are getting married holy smokes. Oh on the 27th we get to hear from L. Tom Perry just to let you know, so there! I love you mom!

Elder Jarman

10 Months, I Have Been Out 10 Months... Weird.

2009-01-22T13:27:00.000-08:00

Mother!

Hey! The time goes good. 10 months, I have been out 10 months... Weird. Is it going as fast for you as it is for me? Man oh man.

So still at Grandmas eh? That's alright though. what a blessing for grandma. We visit a lot of old people and they seem so lonely so when we come by they tell us everything. It's funny.

In the Beaumont stake conference a few months ago they too addressed temple attendance. The stake president was very admant about it ha. I am so grateful for the time I was able to attend with Grandpa Jarman, I wont ever forget those thursdays. I will pray for you and your commitment to serve the Lord. I am so blessed to be part of such an amazing family. I was thinking about how much fun our late night talks were haha, good times.

I got the pacakage from Sam Reed and have just got to print my picture and send it away to Dave. I am going to have to use my home card to do so though just a heads up... I probably use that more than I should... sorry. I am on a mission though so that counts for something right? haha. Yes I am gonna milk that for as long as I can haha.

I love you! I am probably going to be transferred this week but we'll see. Calls are on Saturday so I will find out then. Take care! Oh and I think Jessica Doxeys aunt called our house, her name is Becky and lives in alpine. Her husband served here years ago. Small world eh?

love Elder Jarman

A Typical Day in a Nutshell

2009-01-22T13:24:00.000-08:00

Mom!

I do remember just vaguely that dinosaur haha. Oh man... good times. How are you doing?!! I was glad to hear you got and enjoyed my parcel. A typical day here is up at 630 workout shower eat then study from 8 to 10 then out by 10 either visiting members tracting investigators or service, pending on the day. Lunch is at noon. Then same thing as before from one to 6 which is usually dinner time. After dinner we try and see less active members and then in by 9 or 930 then planning then i have to make calls to my district then the ZL's then I write in my journal brush teeth and say prayers then to bed. That's a typical day in a nut shell. A lot of people are getting married holy crap haha. Keep me up to date on that stuff, it's always interesting.

I am doing good. It's cold in the library today, which reminds me that my feet are always freezing, no matter what. I need those booties I once had. I can't sleep sometimes because of it. I think I have some kind of a condition. Haha.

I love you mom!

Elder Jarman