Dad,
You're the man I want to be someday Dad. I know that these two years in Texas will help me in my eternal pursuit of happy-ness. They have helped me become more like you and more like my Eternal Father. I know that the mission is a gift and I am so grateful to have been able to serve. I really can't believe I am to this point in my life. I am sure that while you were on your mission there were days that you thought would never end and days that you wished would never end, it's a wonderful thing to serve- good days and bad. I know that if I apply the things I have learned here I will be alright in life. I have never loved an experience more than serving the Lord. It's only my mission because it's me serving it, but I know that this is tuly the Lord's mission and that I am just an instrument in his hands. Your words have been comforting, encouraging, humbling, and uplifting from day one and have helped me so much to remember who I am and what my purpose is. My testimony of this gospel has never been more sure, that it is the true gospel of the true Savior. This church is the only true and living church on this earth and is the greatest cultivator of faith in Christ known to man. The Atonement is so real! It is what everything is all about. This past week as well as the past two years have helped me in gaining this testimony. Lately we've really been focusing on getting a solid teaching pool and after this last week we can say mission accomplished. We are now teaching the Honeycutt family, Loyd Dean, the Alkentar family, the Hull family, Catie, Ann, Mike, and a plethera of less active members. It's been amazing to see this area come alive so to speak. Now for the harvesting part. I have faith that Elder Salisbury and whoever he gets will see the fruits of this labor. I am so excited! I would prefer to be released by Pres Warner as well so if at all possible I would like that to be the case. I hope he's in town, but if not then one of his counselors will suffice. I checked on prices to ship the bike home and it will be anywhere from 35 to 50 dollars if I go FedEx or UPS. I loved Elder Choi's talk! I always think of the ability one has to change when I hear it. I love you dad and I can't wait to see you next week! What a great time in life. The mission has gone by like a dream. It has been the greatest honor to wear the tag!
Love
Elder Jarman
Mom!
Yeah, wow, ummm, hmmmm... Not really sure what to think ha. Serving a mission has been the greatest decision I have ever made. I have never felt this kind of joy before which, consequently, has given me a never before felt sense of worth- until this time. Two years has gone by and it has been as a dream. Meeting amazing people everywhere I go, not by coincidence or chance but by appointment, has been one of my favorite things. To be able to look someone in the eye and tell them I am a personal representative of Jesus Christ is something I will cherish forever. I have memories of tracting in the summer sun dripping with sweat, serving the people of southeast Texas during Hurricane Ike, reading Alma 32 to a teenager whose eyes swell with tears because of the Spirit, gaining friendships that will last through the eternities, and having to work like never before to grow my faith while strengthening the faith of others- that seem like they just happened yesterday. I have never done anything up to this point in my life that can compare to what I have done these past two years. To put it simply I have loved my time to serve the Lord and His children in this portion of His vineyard. Thank you for all the love and support and sacrifces you have made! I love you mom! I can't wait to see you.
Love
Elder Jarman
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Faith
March 3, 2010
Dad!
Happy birthday to Elle Sophia indeed! The big 0-1! March 4th will be a great day for that young one I am sure. I am looking forward with great anticipation for the time that I get to meet her for the first time.
Sadly Greg and his wife didn't accept, but we are still going to be working with them! They are great people who I am sure will accept baptism soon. We have found a lot of people who are searching for the gospel lately. Ray is still out of town but we met his grandson Clay yesterday and will begin teaching him. There is a man named Loyd (with one L) who was a media referral that we are teaching. Also a few others. The Lord is pouring His blessings down upon the Texas Houston East Mission. We have really been focusing on building our faith so miracles can happen and that is what is occurring. We have had 66 baptisms as a mission this year and at this same time last year we had 35. I know that our mission can and will double baptisms this year. We have been focusing on the Book of Mormon a lot lately and this time through it we are highlighting every time Jesus Christ's name or one of His titles appears, pronouns included. It's incredible how central He is to the Book of Mormon.
What an honor that will be to speak alongside Sam Reed! He is a great example to me and always has been. I remember seeing him in the MTC and what a joy it was. You could tell that he was going to do amazing things in Taiwan. Do you know what my topic will be? I don't know what the cost will be to ship the bike home but I'll get on that. That was so nice of the Scarpinos to say hi, tell them hi back ha. I love that family. Sister Scarpino is on my mind quite often.
That is so awesome Hillary got her blessing! I have grown to love my patriarchal blessing on my mission. I actually had a dream some time ago in which you had asked if I'd read my blessing lately, for the next few months I read it everyday and it benefitted me greatly. It is such a comfort in times of trial.
I can't wait to see you and the family again Dad. What an incredible blessing it has been to serve a mission but I am ready to come home. I will do all I can to fulfill my purpose up to the last step in Texas.
I read an ensign article from the February issue by Elder Bednar that really outlined one of many blessings of my mission. That is I have learned to love learning. I look forward everyday to studying the scriptures and experiencing new things that allow me to grow. I know that this life is about learning and preparing and my mission has been the best thing I could have done to benefit me in those two categories. I love this work. I love you dad.
Elder Jarman
Dad!
Happy birthday to Elle Sophia indeed! The big 0-1! March 4th will be a great day for that young one I am sure. I am looking forward with great anticipation for the time that I get to meet her for the first time.
Sadly Greg and his wife didn't accept, but we are still going to be working with them! They are great people who I am sure will accept baptism soon. We have found a lot of people who are searching for the gospel lately. Ray is still out of town but we met his grandson Clay yesterday and will begin teaching him. There is a man named Loyd (with one L) who was a media referral that we are teaching. Also a few others. The Lord is pouring His blessings down upon the Texas Houston East Mission. We have really been focusing on building our faith so miracles can happen and that is what is occurring. We have had 66 baptisms as a mission this year and at this same time last year we had 35. I know that our mission can and will double baptisms this year. We have been focusing on the Book of Mormon a lot lately and this time through it we are highlighting every time Jesus Christ's name or one of His titles appears, pronouns included. It's incredible how central He is to the Book of Mormon.
What an honor that will be to speak alongside Sam Reed! He is a great example to me and always has been. I remember seeing him in the MTC and what a joy it was. You could tell that he was going to do amazing things in Taiwan. Do you know what my topic will be? I don't know what the cost will be to ship the bike home but I'll get on that. That was so nice of the Scarpinos to say hi, tell them hi back ha. I love that family. Sister Scarpino is on my mind quite often.
That is so awesome Hillary got her blessing! I have grown to love my patriarchal blessing on my mission. I actually had a dream some time ago in which you had asked if I'd read my blessing lately, for the next few months I read it everyday and it benefitted me greatly. It is such a comfort in times of trial.
I can't wait to see you and the family again Dad. What an incredible blessing it has been to serve a mission but I am ready to come home. I will do all I can to fulfill my purpose up to the last step in Texas.
I read an ensign article from the February issue by Elder Bednar that really outlined one of many blessings of my mission. That is I have learned to love learning. I look forward everyday to studying the scriptures and experiencing new things that allow me to grow. I know that this life is about learning and preparing and my mission has been the best thing I could have done to benefit me in those two categories. I love this work. I love you dad.
Elder Jarman
You Can't Just Go Through The Motions
March 3, 2010
MOM...
This past week was pleasent. We continue to work hard and are really focusing on finding the searchers and filling our teaching pool. My goal is to have at least 5 progressing investigators and 3 with baptismal dates by the time I leave. I have faith that it will happen. We have found a lot of people here lately that have shown me faith is vital in this work. You can't just go through the motions. It was freezing cold yesterday and Elder Salisbury and I were out knocking doors. We were just about to stop and go get some food then we decided on one more door. That door we knocked provided us with a young single mom who is searching. I can't wait to go back and teach her. The spirit is real and as we obey his promptings we are blessed.
Really my mind is going in so many directions. I have loved serving here in Texas. I think the greatest things I have learned are sacrifice brings forth the blessings of Heaven, obedience brings peace and security, love for people, to love learning, and that this church is true Jesus is the Christ and God lives and loves me. People amaze me Mom, for the good and the bad. I am so excited to just talk with you face to face. I know that my relationship with you and dad will be so much more open. I can't wait for that.
I love you. I will see you in two weeks.
Elder Jarman
MOM...
This past week was pleasent. We continue to work hard and are really focusing on finding the searchers and filling our teaching pool. My goal is to have at least 5 progressing investigators and 3 with baptismal dates by the time I leave. I have faith that it will happen. We have found a lot of people here lately that have shown me faith is vital in this work. You can't just go through the motions. It was freezing cold yesterday and Elder Salisbury and I were out knocking doors. We were just about to stop and go get some food then we decided on one more door. That door we knocked provided us with a young single mom who is searching. I can't wait to go back and teach her. The spirit is real and as we obey his promptings we are blessed.
Really my mind is going in so many directions. I have loved serving here in Texas. I think the greatest things I have learned are sacrifice brings forth the blessings of Heaven, obedience brings peace and security, love for people, to love learning, and that this church is true Jesus is the Christ and God lives and loves me. People amaze me Mom, for the good and the bad. I am so excited to just talk with you face to face. I know that my relationship with you and dad will be so much more open. I can't wait for that.
I love you. I will see you in two weeks.
Elder Jarman
The Church Is So True
February 24, 2010
Hey!
I truly am enjoying life right now and serving with a great companion has helped so much. Ray has actually been in Amarillo Texas for the past week and gets back on Thursday or Friday, I have been able to keep in contact with him just over the phone- he still wants us to come by when he's home so that's good. Elder Salisbury and I had a really good experience with the referral system last week. We get referrals via text now and we got this one for a man named Greg. We go over there thinking that he requested us to stop by, but no that wasnt the case. He had a Marilyn Manson t shirt on and at first didn't seem too happy to see us, BUT we did make the most out of the situation and he actually invited us in and said that he and his family are searching for a good church that places high importance on the family... hmmm... I would say we fit that bill. So we talked with Greg and his wife for about two hours about the Restoration and focused on how the restored gospel blesses families, it went amazingly well. We are actually going by tonight and are going to set a baptismal date with them. The Lord works in mysterious ways. We still don't know who referred us to him, and neither does he. There are so many good Christians down here Dad, it's incredible. I have really grown in respect for our friends of other faiths. Through the many Baptists, Lutherans, Methodists, Catholics, Jehovah's Witnesses, Pentecostals, and others I have grown my faith in Christ as my personal Savior. Being a member of the only true and living church on the earth is such a blessing and knowing that I have the fulness of the gospel is humbling. What we have is the greatest most powerful way to live, now we just gotta do it! There was a talk given on Sunday by one of the members of the High Council and he asked us if we had a bottle of cure all pills who would we give one to. Of course I immediately scrolled through all those that were closest to me with ailments then worked my way outward to really everyone and anyone who had a problem. If I had that type of antidote I would do all I could to give it to ALL the world, I really would. Then he told us we have something even greater than that in the fulness of the gospel, something that cures not just the physical struggles but the spiritual ones too-- and for eternity. It hit me how important missionary work is, not just for this two year period either but until the day we die.
The church is so true! It always strengthens my testimony when I remember we are a worldwide church and that the lesson I am receiving here in Pasadena is the same one y'all are receiving in Provo, what great unity. I love it. So many people are blown away by that concept. Churches down here are so independent from each other, even those of the same denomination. I still can't believe how many churches there are down here, it's insane! We pass probably 15 different church houses on our way to church.
I will go ahead and send the bike home if I can fix the left pedal. It's a long story, but when Diggy got transferred from Jasper to Channelview (opposite ends of the mission) the McDaniels (our host family) accidentally took my bike instead of his to give to him. Well it ended up getting a big bolt shoved in where the left pedal use to be, don't ask me how or why ha. I'll do what I can though.
Oh Elder Draper and I weren't planning on seeing eachother until after our release so no worries there.
It would be ideal to be released as soon as possible I think. I really just want my family at the airport to be honest, it will be a very tender moment for me and the fam to have that very near sacred reunion I think. Lunch sounds great! I really couldn't tell you where though so please you and the family choose. Let's make sure a location is chosen prior to crunch time so we don't waste time picking somewhere's. I can't wait! Until then I will continue finding and teaching the Father's children that they may enjoy the blessing of baptism. I love you dad!
ELdEr JarMAN
Hey!
I truly am enjoying life right now and serving with a great companion has helped so much. Ray has actually been in Amarillo Texas for the past week and gets back on Thursday or Friday, I have been able to keep in contact with him just over the phone- he still wants us to come by when he's home so that's good. Elder Salisbury and I had a really good experience with the referral system last week. We get referrals via text now and we got this one for a man named Greg. We go over there thinking that he requested us to stop by, but no that wasnt the case. He had a Marilyn Manson t shirt on and at first didn't seem too happy to see us, BUT we did make the most out of the situation and he actually invited us in and said that he and his family are searching for a good church that places high importance on the family... hmmm... I would say we fit that bill. So we talked with Greg and his wife for about two hours about the Restoration and focused on how the restored gospel blesses families, it went amazingly well. We are actually going by tonight and are going to set a baptismal date with them. The Lord works in mysterious ways. We still don't know who referred us to him, and neither does he. There are so many good Christians down here Dad, it's incredible. I have really grown in respect for our friends of other faiths. Through the many Baptists, Lutherans, Methodists, Catholics, Jehovah's Witnesses, Pentecostals, and others I have grown my faith in Christ as my personal Savior. Being a member of the only true and living church on the earth is such a blessing and knowing that I have the fulness of the gospel is humbling. What we have is the greatest most powerful way to live, now we just gotta do it! There was a talk given on Sunday by one of the members of the High Council and he asked us if we had a bottle of cure all pills who would we give one to. Of course I immediately scrolled through all those that were closest to me with ailments then worked my way outward to really everyone and anyone who had a problem. If I had that type of antidote I would do all I could to give it to ALL the world, I really would. Then he told us we have something even greater than that in the fulness of the gospel, something that cures not just the physical struggles but the spiritual ones too-- and for eternity. It hit me how important missionary work is, not just for this two year period either but until the day we die.
The church is so true! It always strengthens my testimony when I remember we are a worldwide church and that the lesson I am receiving here in Pasadena is the same one y'all are receiving in Provo, what great unity. I love it. So many people are blown away by that concept. Churches down here are so independent from each other, even those of the same denomination. I still can't believe how many churches there are down here, it's insane! We pass probably 15 different church houses on our way to church.
I will go ahead and send the bike home if I can fix the left pedal. It's a long story, but when Diggy got transferred from Jasper to Channelview (opposite ends of the mission) the McDaniels (our host family) accidentally took my bike instead of his to give to him. Well it ended up getting a big bolt shoved in where the left pedal use to be, don't ask me how or why ha. I'll do what I can though.
Oh Elder Draper and I weren't planning on seeing eachother until after our release so no worries there.
It would be ideal to be released as soon as possible I think. I really just want my family at the airport to be honest, it will be a very tender moment for me and the fam to have that very near sacred reunion I think. Lunch sounds great! I really couldn't tell you where though so please you and the family choose. Let's make sure a location is chosen prior to crunch time so we don't waste time picking somewhere's. I can't wait! Until then I will continue finding and teaching the Father's children that they may enjoy the blessing of baptism. I love you dad!
ELdEr JarMAN
"I Love This Work"
February 24, 2010
Mom,
It is going really well! Elder Salisbury and I continue to work really hard and have a lot of fun. I wouldn't want to finish my mission any other way. I love this work and have really appreciated all the love and support that I have received over these two years from you, the family, and friends. I know that this is the best thing I could have been doing with my time. I am grateful everyday for the gift of life, what a marvelous opportunity we have all been given-- not just some of us but all of us have the potential to become like God... wow. I have been able to talk to Ray via telephone but that's it. He has been in Amarillo for work so we'll have to catch up with him later in the week. I really am working hard and doing my best. It's pretty tough to remain focused towards the end but I feel I have been able to through the power of prayer and with the help of a great companion in Elder Salisbury. I can't believe my time here is almost up. It's gone by like a dream.
That is so crazy that William Young got his call, he's just a young buck... woah! Good for him and for all the others who are in his shoes. That's awesome.
The time is fast approaching Mother, can you believe it? I will see you in just a few weeks!
Love
Elder Jarman
Mom,
It is going really well! Elder Salisbury and I continue to work really hard and have a lot of fun. I wouldn't want to finish my mission any other way. I love this work and have really appreciated all the love and support that I have received over these two years from you, the family, and friends. I know that this is the best thing I could have been doing with my time. I am grateful everyday for the gift of life, what a marvelous opportunity we have all been given-- not just some of us but all of us have the potential to become like God... wow. I have been able to talk to Ray via telephone but that's it. He has been in Amarillo for work so we'll have to catch up with him later in the week. I really am working hard and doing my best. It's pretty tough to remain focused towards the end but I feel I have been able to through the power of prayer and with the help of a great companion in Elder Salisbury. I can't believe my time here is almost up. It's gone by like a dream.
That is so crazy that William Young got his call, he's just a young buck... woah! Good for him and for all the others who are in his shoes. That's awesome.
The time is fast approaching Mother, can you believe it? I will see you in just a few weeks!
Love
Elder Jarman
"I Didn't Even Know the Olympics Were Happening"
February 17, 2010
Dad!
It's incredible the amount of love I have for my family. I truly appreciate all that all of you do, the prayers, the emails, the letters, the packages, everything- just thank you. I have to admit I didn't even know that the olympics were happening until like a few days ago haha, that is sweet y'all are watching them together. I remember my last Super Bowl at home watching it with the fam, that was the best part- being with y'all. Not to mention it was one of the greatest games of all time ha. Thank you for sharing the ward goal for this year. Pondering is something that President Moldenhauer tells us to do all the time. I can definitely improve on my pondering skills. I allow myself to get distracted or anxious and it's not good. I am excited to be able to go home to a spiritual environment where love is spoken.
Elder Salisbury and I have really been blessed this past week. We were on exchanges with the assistants and I was able to go with my former companion Elder Clove. We had an incredible day. We were tracting and some how or another we were prompted to cross the street and knock on a certain door. A man named Ray opened up and wasn't too thrilled to see us. The spirit gave us both words to say that softened his heart and like a clam he opened up and gave us a pearl. He told us he was a recovering alcoholic and a member of AA currently and that we would be wasting our time, but we both knew that we weren't at all. We explained the church's great love and actual correlation for and with the AA program. While we were talking to him I noticed he kept grabbing his chest and asked about it, he told us that he was in severe pain and that he'd be admitting himself to the hospital later on in the day. I was able to tell him a little about the Priesthood and that Elder Clove and I had the authority given to us from God to administer to him. I have never done this before but I felt that this is what the Spirit was prompting me to do. He accepted the offer to have us give him a blessing and Elder Clove was able to read a few verses from James 5 further explaining the process. It was a great experience to give him that blessing. After that he asked us if we could come back and teach him more, we of course said yes. Miracles are happening, hearts are being softened, and blessings are being poured out on this mission. I love this work. I called Ray just yesterday to set another appointment up but he is currently out of town until next week. We will stay close to him and do all we can for him. Also, I got a sweet package from the family and also Ali for Valentines Day. Oh! Elder Salisbury's mom fandangled a way to overnight deliver us Cafe' Rio and we got that this morning, so that is what we are eating for lunch ha. I gave my final testimony at my final zone conference yesterday and was able to let the missionaries know how incredible the mission experience is, and to not let the small and simple blessings pass them by.
The 17th of March will be an amazing day. I am soooo excited to see you and the family. I doubt I have dry eyes for that tender moment. In preparation for that monumental occasion I do have a few questions: do you want me to send my bike home or sell it to an incoming missionary or donate it to the mission? what's the plan for that day? My close friend Elder Draper and I are planning to have a little time to take a deep breath together some time during that day and just soak in what has happened these past two years. that's it ha.
I love you dad, you're the best man I know.
Elder Jarman
Dad!
It's incredible the amount of love I have for my family. I truly appreciate all that all of you do, the prayers, the emails, the letters, the packages, everything- just thank you. I have to admit I didn't even know that the olympics were happening until like a few days ago haha, that is sweet y'all are watching them together. I remember my last Super Bowl at home watching it with the fam, that was the best part- being with y'all. Not to mention it was one of the greatest games of all time ha. Thank you for sharing the ward goal for this year. Pondering is something that President Moldenhauer tells us to do all the time. I can definitely improve on my pondering skills. I allow myself to get distracted or anxious and it's not good. I am excited to be able to go home to a spiritual environment where love is spoken.
Elder Salisbury and I have really been blessed this past week. We were on exchanges with the assistants and I was able to go with my former companion Elder Clove. We had an incredible day. We were tracting and some how or another we were prompted to cross the street and knock on a certain door. A man named Ray opened up and wasn't too thrilled to see us. The spirit gave us both words to say that softened his heart and like a clam he opened up and gave us a pearl. He told us he was a recovering alcoholic and a member of AA currently and that we would be wasting our time, but we both knew that we weren't at all. We explained the church's great love and actual correlation for and with the AA program. While we were talking to him I noticed he kept grabbing his chest and asked about it, he told us that he was in severe pain and that he'd be admitting himself to the hospital later on in the day. I was able to tell him a little about the Priesthood and that Elder Clove and I had the authority given to us from God to administer to him. I have never done this before but I felt that this is what the Spirit was prompting me to do. He accepted the offer to have us give him a blessing and Elder Clove was able to read a few verses from James 5 further explaining the process. It was a great experience to give him that blessing. After that he asked us if we could come back and teach him more, we of course said yes. Miracles are happening, hearts are being softened, and blessings are being poured out on this mission. I love this work. I called Ray just yesterday to set another appointment up but he is currently out of town until next week. We will stay close to him and do all we can for him. Also, I got a sweet package from the family and also Ali for Valentines Day. Oh! Elder Salisbury's mom fandangled a way to overnight deliver us Cafe' Rio and we got that this morning, so that is what we are eating for lunch ha. I gave my final testimony at my final zone conference yesterday and was able to let the missionaries know how incredible the mission experience is, and to not let the small and simple blessings pass them by.
The 17th of March will be an amazing day. I am soooo excited to see you and the family. I doubt I have dry eyes for that tender moment. In preparation for that monumental occasion I do have a few questions: do you want me to send my bike home or sell it to an incoming missionary or donate it to the mission? what's the plan for that day? My close friend Elder Draper and I are planning to have a little time to take a deep breath together some time during that day and just soak in what has happened these past two years. that's it ha.
I love you dad, you're the best man I know.
Elder Jarman
Miracles Are Happening
February 17, 2010
Dear Mom!
You are the greatest. I was looking at your picture the other day and just thinking how awesome you are and how excited I am to see you again. I love you.
Elder Salisbury and I have really been blessed this past week. We were on exchanges with the assistants and I was able to go with my former companion Elder Clove. We had an incredible day. We were tracting and some how or another we were prompted to cross the street and knock on a certain door. A man named Ray opened up and wasn't too thrilled to see us. The spirit gave us both words to say that softened his heart and like a clam he opened up and gave us a pearl. He told us he was a recovering alcoholic and a member of AA currently and that we would be wasting our time, but we both knew that we weren't at all. We explained the church's great love and actual correlation for and with the AA program. While we were talking to him I noticed he kept grabbing his chest and asked about it, he told us that he was in severe pain and that he'd be admitting himself to the hospital later on in the day. I was able to tell him a little about the Priesthood and that Elder Clove and I had the authority given to us from God to administer to him. I have never done this before but I felt that this is what the Spirit was prompting me to do. He accepted the offer to have us give him a blessing and Elder Clove was able to read a few verses from James 5 further explaining the process. It was a great experience to give him that blessing. After that he asked us if we could come back and teach him more, we of course said yes. Miracles are happening, hearts are being softened, and blessings are being poured out on this mission. I love this work. I called Ray just yesterday to set another appointment up but he is currently out of town until next week. We will stay close to him and do all we can for him. Also, I got a sweet package from the family and also Ali for Valentines Day. Oh! Elder Salisbury's mom fandangled a way to overnight deliver us Cafe' Rio and we got that this morning, so that is what we are eating for lunch ha. I gave my final testimony at my final zone conference yesterday and was able to let the missionaries know how incredible the mission experience is, and to not let the small and simple blessings pass them by.
I agree with you, the last four weeks are going to fly by. The mission is the greatest thing I have ever done. I know that God loves me and that the Atonement is real. The lessons I have learned here in Texas will stay with me forever. This last transfer is so trippy! It doesn't seem like a reality. It sounds like things back home continue to press on. How is Tyler doing? Fill me in on what the heck is going down when I get home I want to know about stuff. Do we have summer plans?
I love you!
Elder Jarman
Dear Mom!
You are the greatest. I was looking at your picture the other day and just thinking how awesome you are and how excited I am to see you again. I love you.
Elder Salisbury and I have really been blessed this past week. We were on exchanges with the assistants and I was able to go with my former companion Elder Clove. We had an incredible day. We were tracting and some how or another we were prompted to cross the street and knock on a certain door. A man named Ray opened up and wasn't too thrilled to see us. The spirit gave us both words to say that softened his heart and like a clam he opened up and gave us a pearl. He told us he was a recovering alcoholic and a member of AA currently and that we would be wasting our time, but we both knew that we weren't at all. We explained the church's great love and actual correlation for and with the AA program. While we were talking to him I noticed he kept grabbing his chest and asked about it, he told us that he was in severe pain and that he'd be admitting himself to the hospital later on in the day. I was able to tell him a little about the Priesthood and that Elder Clove and I had the authority given to us from God to administer to him. I have never done this before but I felt that this is what the Spirit was prompting me to do. He accepted the offer to have us give him a blessing and Elder Clove was able to read a few verses from James 5 further explaining the process. It was a great experience to give him that blessing. After that he asked us if we could come back and teach him more, we of course said yes. Miracles are happening, hearts are being softened, and blessings are being poured out on this mission. I love this work. I called Ray just yesterday to set another appointment up but he is currently out of town until next week. We will stay close to him and do all we can for him. Also, I got a sweet package from the family and also Ali for Valentines Day. Oh! Elder Salisbury's mom fandangled a way to overnight deliver us Cafe' Rio and we got that this morning, so that is what we are eating for lunch ha. I gave my final testimony at my final zone conference yesterday and was able to let the missionaries know how incredible the mission experience is, and to not let the small and simple blessings pass them by.
I agree with you, the last four weeks are going to fly by. The mission is the greatest thing I have ever done. I know that God loves me and that the Atonement is real. The lessons I have learned here in Texas will stay with me forever. This last transfer is so trippy! It doesn't seem like a reality. It sounds like things back home continue to press on. How is Tyler doing? Fill me in on what the heck is going down when I get home I want to know about stuff. Do we have summer plans?
I love you!
Elder Jarman
"Faith Isn't a Feelinf, It's a Decision"
February 10, 2010
Hey Dad,
I did get that forward haha, oh goodnes... I have yet to receive any valentines day package though, i'll be looking for it. Yup, I will be finishing up here in the Pasadena 2nd ward. I have done my best to cultivate righteous relationships with the members in each area that I've served in. That is pretty sweet you only served in 3 areas. To be able to serve in Deer Park 7 1/2 months has been an incredible blessing and to able to end my service here with Elder Salisbury adds immensely to that blessing. I love Elder Salisbury like a brother. He and I have a very open and healthy relationship. I feel more unified with him than any other companion I have served with before. When we contact or teach the Spirit is so strong, it's wonderful.
Something on my mind today is faith. Gordon B. Hinckley said "Faith isn't a feeling it's a decision." and I couldn't agree more. Faith is the main ingredient of a miracle, coupled with felt need and prayer. I know that the greatest ways to exercise faith are reading the scriptures, praying, and attending church. We have to learn in this life to walk by faith rather than by sight and if we aren't exercising it then it's deteriorating. I am thankful for the faith that I do have and for the ability I have on my mission to strengthen that faith. These two years are like taking spiritual steroids. It's incredible to look back over the path of my mission and see the growth that has occurred. It's liberating. I have never been more dedicated to something in my entire life. I have never experienced something so humbling either. Elder Salisbury and I are blessed each day to be able to go out and try our faith to find. Lately people seem to be opening up and we seem to be able to connect with them. We met a woman named Lydia and I was able to tell her my mother's name is Lydia and how it's the most beautiful name in the world. We have a return appointment with her! Really we do a lot of tracting. Nobody has really caught on fire yet, but I have faith that it will happen soon. That is SOO cool about the Cornish family! I am sure it was a great experience for all involved to see Jeremy be baptized. As far as any ward training ideas go something that I have enjoyed doing with members is sharing short messages on different gospel related topics (faith, prayer, repentance, God's love... etc) . We share 20 minute lessons with the family and then at the end we ask them who came to mind that could join us next time we come over. During the next visit, assuming they invited a non member, we share relatively the same thing- a short powerful lesson- then we pray and leave. This allows the member and their friend to talk about what we've shared and the spirit guides the way. The hope is that we will be able to eventually teach the non member friend the full on pmg lessons required before baptism. Just a side note is I've found that when we as missionaries share a lesson and then "hang out" with the members that spiritual experience we've just shared is almost nullified. It's important to not offend the Spirit.
That is so great about FHE! I am really looking forward to FHE when I get home. My patriarchal blessing speaks very powerfully about FHE in regard to my own family that I will have and I know that I can learn so much from you and mom about how to do it right. I know that this church is true. I know God loves me. I know much is expected of all of us as hopeful joint heirs with Christ. I know I need a Savior and better than ever understand the Atonement but have so much more to learn. I love you dad.
Elder Jarman
Hey Dad,
I did get that forward haha, oh goodnes... I have yet to receive any valentines day package though, i'll be looking for it. Yup, I will be finishing up here in the Pasadena 2nd ward. I have done my best to cultivate righteous relationships with the members in each area that I've served in. That is pretty sweet you only served in 3 areas. To be able to serve in Deer Park 7 1/2 months has been an incredible blessing and to able to end my service here with Elder Salisbury adds immensely to that blessing. I love Elder Salisbury like a brother. He and I have a very open and healthy relationship. I feel more unified with him than any other companion I have served with before. When we contact or teach the Spirit is so strong, it's wonderful.
Something on my mind today is faith. Gordon B. Hinckley said "Faith isn't a feeling it's a decision." and I couldn't agree more. Faith is the main ingredient of a miracle, coupled with felt need and prayer. I know that the greatest ways to exercise faith are reading the scriptures, praying, and attending church. We have to learn in this life to walk by faith rather than by sight and if we aren't exercising it then it's deteriorating. I am thankful for the faith that I do have and for the ability I have on my mission to strengthen that faith. These two years are like taking spiritual steroids. It's incredible to look back over the path of my mission and see the growth that has occurred. It's liberating. I have never been more dedicated to something in my entire life. I have never experienced something so humbling either. Elder Salisbury and I are blessed each day to be able to go out and try our faith to find. Lately people seem to be opening up and we seem to be able to connect with them. We met a woman named Lydia and I was able to tell her my mother's name is Lydia and how it's the most beautiful name in the world. We have a return appointment with her! Really we do a lot of tracting. Nobody has really caught on fire yet, but I have faith that it will happen soon. That is SOO cool about the Cornish family! I am sure it was a great experience for all involved to see Jeremy be baptized. As far as any ward training ideas go something that I have enjoyed doing with members is sharing short messages on different gospel related topics (faith, prayer, repentance, God's love... etc) . We share 20 minute lessons with the family and then at the end we ask them who came to mind that could join us next time we come over. During the next visit, assuming they invited a non member, we share relatively the same thing- a short powerful lesson- then we pray and leave. This allows the member and their friend to talk about what we've shared and the spirit guides the way. The hope is that we will be able to eventually teach the non member friend the full on pmg lessons required before baptism. Just a side note is I've found that when we as missionaries share a lesson and then "hang out" with the members that spiritual experience we've just shared is almost nullified. It's important to not offend the Spirit.
That is so great about FHE! I am really looking forward to FHE when I get home. My patriarchal blessing speaks very powerfully about FHE in regard to my own family that I will have and I know that I can learn so much from you and mom about how to do it right. I know that this church is true. I know God loves me. I know much is expected of all of us as hopeful joint heirs with Christ. I know I need a Savior and better than ever understand the Atonement but have so much more to learn. I love you dad.
Elder Jarman
I Need Righteous Influences in My Life
February 10, 2010
Mom!~
I did get a new email address, it's this one I am writing to you from. That is so great you saw Alex! I can't wait to hang out with him. I have decided that I need righteous influences in my life. I love knowing that I have so many good friends that watch out for me. I am in constant need of reproof haha. Alex is one such friend that I know will always do what's right. Elder Salisbury is the same way, what a great person! I can't say enough good about him. He is one of my favorite missionaries. We are getting a lot of work done and will be blessed if we continue working hard and being obedient. I have yet to get any package but I will keep my eyes open for sure. I love you mom!
Elder Jarman
Mom!~
I did get a new email address, it's this one I am writing to you from. That is so great you saw Alex! I can't wait to hang out with him. I have decided that I need righteous influences in my life. I love knowing that I have so many good friends that watch out for me. I am in constant need of reproof haha. Alex is one such friend that I know will always do what's right. Elder Salisbury is the same way, what a great person! I can't say enough good about him. He is one of my favorite missionaries. We are getting a lot of work done and will be blessed if we continue working hard and being obedient. I have yet to get any package but I will keep my eyes open for sure. I love you mom!
Elder Jarman
The Rescue
February 3, 2010
Hey Dad,
I am so happy right now. For my last transfer I will be staying in Deer Park but I have been assigned a new companion, Elder Salisbury of Sandy Utah! He and I go wayyyy back to my Jasper days. He was one of the six that spent our hurricaine Ike experience together. Needless to say I am very excited to be his companion. He has always been one of those missionaries that I've felt a solid connection with, he's almost like the little brother I never had. We have a lot of work to do and goals to accomplish. The investigators that we have right now are looking promising but they always do. We are focusing on finding the searchers, so I pray we will be led to them. Raul is a good guy we tracted into that we will going over and teaching on Sundays. He is a really humble genuinely nice man who wants what is best for his family. The Smith's are back on the radar but still so so busy with work and school that fitting us into their already hectic lives will be quite a sacrifice but as we know sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven. Glenn Hasty is an older gentleman that again we tracted into. He and his wife have had to see many of their relatives pass away as they are in their mid 70's. Recently his wife, who we haven't met yet, lost a brother and is struggling with her own health concerns. Elder Salisbury and I are doing a lot of tracting and will be blessed for diligent effort in one way or another. He is a great ball player so for our morning workouts we are starting to go play basketball, it's been nice. I can't express how great it is to be his companion haha. The Pasadena 2nd ward continues to make leaps and bounds! This past week we as missionaries were able to address the congregation and also sing a special musical number. I spoke on obedience and how we are an obedient people, every Sunday we promise to be obedient. We had a combined meeting for the third hour and Bishop Turner unveiled his plan to the ward on how we are going to split this ward in 36 months. It's being called the Rescue. There are 520 members in this ward, 120 on average show up each Sunday- that leaves 400 members that need rescuing! I am so blessed to have seen this great transformation in the ward and will do all I can to help out. We as missionaries are not the main rescue party though, we are mere aids- the rescue aid society (just like in The Rescuers and The Rescuers Down Under haha). We are here to help or aid the ward in making sure this rescue takes place. You are so lucky to be speaking on agency! That is my favorite thing to talk about. It's something that Satan cannot take from us, but rather, only we can give it up- it's our choice. Agency is the ability to choose happiness or sadness, faith or fear. It is the essence of and engine behind our Father's great plan of happiness. I would use D. Todd Christofferson's talks for reference, they are always full of great comments on agency. 2 Nephi 2, the latter part, is one of my favorite chapters when teaching agency and also 2 Nephi 10:23. I love those two because in chapter 2 Lehi is teaching Jacob and then in 2 Nephi 10 Jacob shows his love for Lehi by teaching the same principle, it's beautiful. In life we use the gift of moral agency every day. We can either make celestial, terrestrial, or telestial preparations or corrections- it is all dependent on what we choose. Jesus wants me and all of mankind for a sunbeam, to dwell in the Celestial Kingdom, but even as badly as the Son of God wants that for all of us we still have to make that choice for ourselves- what a powerful thing. I am grateful for the Atonement, without it we would all be lost and fallen forever but because of it we can be found and risen forever. I love being a full time missionary Dad, it's the most fulfilling thing I have ever done in my life. I love you!
Elder Jarman
Hey Dad,
I am so happy right now. For my last transfer I will be staying in Deer Park but I have been assigned a new companion, Elder Salisbury of Sandy Utah! He and I go wayyyy back to my Jasper days. He was one of the six that spent our hurricaine Ike experience together. Needless to say I am very excited to be his companion. He has always been one of those missionaries that I've felt a solid connection with, he's almost like the little brother I never had. We have a lot of work to do and goals to accomplish. The investigators that we have right now are looking promising but they always do. We are focusing on finding the searchers, so I pray we will be led to them. Raul is a good guy we tracted into that we will going over and teaching on Sundays. He is a really humble genuinely nice man who wants what is best for his family. The Smith's are back on the radar but still so so busy with work and school that fitting us into their already hectic lives will be quite a sacrifice but as we know sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven. Glenn Hasty is an older gentleman that again we tracted into. He and his wife have had to see many of their relatives pass away as they are in their mid 70's. Recently his wife, who we haven't met yet, lost a brother and is struggling with her own health concerns. Elder Salisbury and I are doing a lot of tracting and will be blessed for diligent effort in one way or another. He is a great ball player so for our morning workouts we are starting to go play basketball, it's been nice. I can't express how great it is to be his companion haha. The Pasadena 2nd ward continues to make leaps and bounds! This past week we as missionaries were able to address the congregation and also sing a special musical number. I spoke on obedience and how we are an obedient people, every Sunday we promise to be obedient. We had a combined meeting for the third hour and Bishop Turner unveiled his plan to the ward on how we are going to split this ward in 36 months. It's being called the Rescue. There are 520 members in this ward, 120 on average show up each Sunday- that leaves 400 members that need rescuing! I am so blessed to have seen this great transformation in the ward and will do all I can to help out. We as missionaries are not the main rescue party though, we are mere aids- the rescue aid society (just like in The Rescuers and The Rescuers Down Under haha). We are here to help or aid the ward in making sure this rescue takes place. You are so lucky to be speaking on agency! That is my favorite thing to talk about. It's something that Satan cannot take from us, but rather, only we can give it up- it's our choice. Agency is the ability to choose happiness or sadness, faith or fear. It is the essence of and engine behind our Father's great plan of happiness. I would use D. Todd Christofferson's talks for reference, they are always full of great comments on agency. 2 Nephi 2, the latter part, is one of my favorite chapters when teaching agency and also 2 Nephi 10:23. I love those two because in chapter 2 Lehi is teaching Jacob and then in 2 Nephi 10 Jacob shows his love for Lehi by teaching the same principle, it's beautiful. In life we use the gift of moral agency every day. We can either make celestial, terrestrial, or telestial preparations or corrections- it is all dependent on what we choose. Jesus wants me and all of mankind for a sunbeam, to dwell in the Celestial Kingdom, but even as badly as the Son of God wants that for all of us we still have to make that choice for ourselves- what a powerful thing. I am grateful for the Atonement, without it we would all be lost and fallen forever but because of it we can be found and risen forever. I love being a full time missionary Dad, it's the most fulfilling thing I have ever done in my life. I love you!
Elder Jarman
Not Much...
February 3, 2010
I am doing really good. I am serving with Elder Salisbury! He is the man! I love him like a brother. We really get along well. Nothing big other than that happenin' around these parts. I love you
elder Jarman
I am doing really good. I am serving with Elder Salisbury! He is the man! I love him like a brother. We really get along well. Nothing big other than that happenin' around these parts. I love you
elder Jarman
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Agency is Such a Powerful Thing
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
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
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
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
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
I Seriously Laughed Out Loud
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
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
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
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
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
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...
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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