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
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
"I Didn't Even Know the Olympics Were Happening"
February 17, 2010
Dad!
It's incredible the amount of love I have for my family. I truly appreciate all that all of you do, the prayers, the emails, the letters, the packages, everything- just thank you. I have to admit I didn't even know that the olympics were happening until like a few days ago haha, that is sweet y'all are watching them together. I remember my last Super Bowl at home watching it with the fam, that was the best part- being with y'all. Not to mention it was one of the greatest games of all time ha. Thank you for sharing the ward goal for this year. Pondering is something that President Moldenhauer tells us to do all the time. I can definitely improve on my pondering skills. I allow myself to get distracted or anxious and it's not good. I am excited to be able to go home to a spiritual environment where love is spoken.
Elder Salisbury and I have really been blessed this past week. We were on exchanges with the assistants and I was able to go with my former companion Elder Clove. We had an incredible day. We were tracting and some how or another we were prompted to cross the street and knock on a certain door. A man named Ray opened up and wasn't too thrilled to see us. The spirit gave us both words to say that softened his heart and like a clam he opened up and gave us a pearl. He told us he was a recovering alcoholic and a member of AA currently and that we would be wasting our time, but we both knew that we weren't at all. We explained the church's great love and actual correlation for and with the AA program. While we were talking to him I noticed he kept grabbing his chest and asked about it, he told us that he was in severe pain and that he'd be admitting himself to the hospital later on in the day. I was able to tell him a little about the Priesthood and that Elder Clove and I had the authority given to us from God to administer to him. I have never done this before but I felt that this is what the Spirit was prompting me to do. He accepted the offer to have us give him a blessing and Elder Clove was able to read a few verses from James 5 further explaining the process. It was a great experience to give him that blessing. After that he asked us if we could come back and teach him more, we of course said yes. Miracles are happening, hearts are being softened, and blessings are being poured out on this mission. I love this work. I called Ray just yesterday to set another appointment up but he is currently out of town until next week. We will stay close to him and do all we can for him. Also, I got a sweet package from the family and also Ali for Valentines Day. Oh! Elder Salisbury's mom fandangled a way to overnight deliver us Cafe' Rio and we got that this morning, so that is what we are eating for lunch ha. I gave my final testimony at my final zone conference yesterday and was able to let the missionaries know how incredible the mission experience is, and to not let the small and simple blessings pass them by.
The 17th of March will be an amazing day. I am soooo excited to see you and the family. I doubt I have dry eyes for that tender moment. In preparation for that monumental occasion I do have a few questions: do you want me to send my bike home or sell it to an incoming missionary or donate it to the mission? what's the plan for that day? My close friend Elder Draper and I are planning to have a little time to take a deep breath together some time during that day and just soak in what has happened these past two years. that's it ha.
I love you dad, you're the best man I know.
Elder Jarman
Dad!
It's incredible the amount of love I have for my family. I truly appreciate all that all of you do, the prayers, the emails, the letters, the packages, everything- just thank you. I have to admit I didn't even know that the olympics were happening until like a few days ago haha, that is sweet y'all are watching them together. I remember my last Super Bowl at home watching it with the fam, that was the best part- being with y'all. Not to mention it was one of the greatest games of all time ha. Thank you for sharing the ward goal for this year. Pondering is something that President Moldenhauer tells us to do all the time. I can definitely improve on my pondering skills. I allow myself to get distracted or anxious and it's not good. I am excited to be able to go home to a spiritual environment where love is spoken.
Elder Salisbury and I have really been blessed this past week. We were on exchanges with the assistants and I was able to go with my former companion Elder Clove. We had an incredible day. We were tracting and some how or another we were prompted to cross the street and knock on a certain door. A man named Ray opened up and wasn't too thrilled to see us. The spirit gave us both words to say that softened his heart and like a clam he opened up and gave us a pearl. He told us he was a recovering alcoholic and a member of AA currently and that we would be wasting our time, but we both knew that we weren't at all. We explained the church's great love and actual correlation for and with the AA program. While we were talking to him I noticed he kept grabbing his chest and asked about it, he told us that he was in severe pain and that he'd be admitting himself to the hospital later on in the day. I was able to tell him a little about the Priesthood and that Elder Clove and I had the authority given to us from God to administer to him. I have never done this before but I felt that this is what the Spirit was prompting me to do. He accepted the offer to have us give him a blessing and Elder Clove was able to read a few verses from James 5 further explaining the process. It was a great experience to give him that blessing. After that he asked us if we could come back and teach him more, we of course said yes. Miracles are happening, hearts are being softened, and blessings are being poured out on this mission. I love this work. I called Ray just yesterday to set another appointment up but he is currently out of town until next week. We will stay close to him and do all we can for him. Also, I got a sweet package from the family and also Ali for Valentines Day. Oh! Elder Salisbury's mom fandangled a way to overnight deliver us Cafe' Rio and we got that this morning, so that is what we are eating for lunch ha. I gave my final testimony at my final zone conference yesterday and was able to let the missionaries know how incredible the mission experience is, and to not let the small and simple blessings pass them by.
The 17th of March will be an amazing day. I am soooo excited to see you and the family. I doubt I have dry eyes for that tender moment. In preparation for that monumental occasion I do have a few questions: do you want me to send my bike home or sell it to an incoming missionary or donate it to the mission? what's the plan for that day? My close friend Elder Draper and I are planning to have a little time to take a deep breath together some time during that day and just soak in what has happened these past two years. that's it ha.
I love you dad, you're the best man I know.
Elder Jarman
Miracles Are Happening
February 17, 2010
Dear Mom!
You are the greatest. I was looking at your picture the other day and just thinking how awesome you are and how excited I am to see you again. I love you.
Elder Salisbury and I have really been blessed this past week. We were on exchanges with the assistants and I was able to go with my former companion Elder Clove. We had an incredible day. We were tracting and some how or another we were prompted to cross the street and knock on a certain door. A man named Ray opened up and wasn't too thrilled to see us. The spirit gave us both words to say that softened his heart and like a clam he opened up and gave us a pearl. He told us he was a recovering alcoholic and a member of AA currently and that we would be wasting our time, but we both knew that we weren't at all. We explained the church's great love and actual correlation for and with the AA program. While we were talking to him I noticed he kept grabbing his chest and asked about it, he told us that he was in severe pain and that he'd be admitting himself to the hospital later on in the day. I was able to tell him a little about the Priesthood and that Elder Clove and I had the authority given to us from God to administer to him. I have never done this before but I felt that this is what the Spirit was prompting me to do. He accepted the offer to have us give him a blessing and Elder Clove was able to read a few verses from James 5 further explaining the process. It was a great experience to give him that blessing. After that he asked us if we could come back and teach him more, we of course said yes. Miracles are happening, hearts are being softened, and blessings are being poured out on this mission. I love this work. I called Ray just yesterday to set another appointment up but he is currently out of town until next week. We will stay close to him and do all we can for him. Also, I got a sweet package from the family and also Ali for Valentines Day. Oh! Elder Salisbury's mom fandangled a way to overnight deliver us Cafe' Rio and we got that this morning, so that is what we are eating for lunch ha. I gave my final testimony at my final zone conference yesterday and was able to let the missionaries know how incredible the mission experience is, and to not let the small and simple blessings pass them by.
I agree with you, the last four weeks are going to fly by. The mission is the greatest thing I have ever done. I know that God loves me and that the Atonement is real. The lessons I have learned here in Texas will stay with me forever. This last transfer is so trippy! It doesn't seem like a reality. It sounds like things back home continue to press on. How is Tyler doing? Fill me in on what the heck is going down when I get home I want to know about stuff. Do we have summer plans?
I love you!
Elder Jarman
Dear Mom!
You are the greatest. I was looking at your picture the other day and just thinking how awesome you are and how excited I am to see you again. I love you.
Elder Salisbury and I have really been blessed this past week. We were on exchanges with the assistants and I was able to go with my former companion Elder Clove. We had an incredible day. We were tracting and some how or another we were prompted to cross the street and knock on a certain door. A man named Ray opened up and wasn't too thrilled to see us. The spirit gave us both words to say that softened his heart and like a clam he opened up and gave us a pearl. He told us he was a recovering alcoholic and a member of AA currently and that we would be wasting our time, but we both knew that we weren't at all. We explained the church's great love and actual correlation for and with the AA program. While we were talking to him I noticed he kept grabbing his chest and asked about it, he told us that he was in severe pain and that he'd be admitting himself to the hospital later on in the day. I was able to tell him a little about the Priesthood and that Elder Clove and I had the authority given to us from God to administer to him. I have never done this before but I felt that this is what the Spirit was prompting me to do. He accepted the offer to have us give him a blessing and Elder Clove was able to read a few verses from James 5 further explaining the process. It was a great experience to give him that blessing. After that he asked us if we could come back and teach him more, we of course said yes. Miracles are happening, hearts are being softened, and blessings are being poured out on this mission. I love this work. I called Ray just yesterday to set another appointment up but he is currently out of town until next week. We will stay close to him and do all we can for him. Also, I got a sweet package from the family and also Ali for Valentines Day. Oh! Elder Salisbury's mom fandangled a way to overnight deliver us Cafe' Rio and we got that this morning, so that is what we are eating for lunch ha. I gave my final testimony at my final zone conference yesterday and was able to let the missionaries know how incredible the mission experience is, and to not let the small and simple blessings pass them by.
I agree with you, the last four weeks are going to fly by. The mission is the greatest thing I have ever done. I know that God loves me and that the Atonement is real. The lessons I have learned here in Texas will stay with me forever. This last transfer is so trippy! It doesn't seem like a reality. It sounds like things back home continue to press on. How is Tyler doing? Fill me in on what the heck is going down when I get home I want to know about stuff. Do we have summer plans?
I love you!
Elder Jarman
"Faith Isn't a Feelinf, It's a Decision"
February 10, 2010
Hey Dad,
I did get that forward haha, oh goodnes... I have yet to receive any valentines day package though, i'll be looking for it. Yup, I will be finishing up here in the Pasadena 2nd ward. I have done my best to cultivate righteous relationships with the members in each area that I've served in. That is pretty sweet you only served in 3 areas. To be able to serve in Deer Park 7 1/2 months has been an incredible blessing and to able to end my service here with Elder Salisbury adds immensely to that blessing. I love Elder Salisbury like a brother. He and I have a very open and healthy relationship. I feel more unified with him than any other companion I have served with before. When we contact or teach the Spirit is so strong, it's wonderful.
Something on my mind today is faith. Gordon B. Hinckley said "Faith isn't a feeling it's a decision." and I couldn't agree more. Faith is the main ingredient of a miracle, coupled with felt need and prayer. I know that the greatest ways to exercise faith are reading the scriptures, praying, and attending church. We have to learn in this life to walk by faith rather than by sight and if we aren't exercising it then it's deteriorating. I am thankful for the faith that I do have and for the ability I have on my mission to strengthen that faith. These two years are like taking spiritual steroids. It's incredible to look back over the path of my mission and see the growth that has occurred. It's liberating. I have never been more dedicated to something in my entire life. I have never experienced something so humbling either. Elder Salisbury and I are blessed each day to be able to go out and try our faith to find. Lately people seem to be opening up and we seem to be able to connect with them. We met a woman named Lydia and I was able to tell her my mother's name is Lydia and how it's the most beautiful name in the world. We have a return appointment with her! Really we do a lot of tracting. Nobody has really caught on fire yet, but I have faith that it will happen soon. That is SOO cool about the Cornish family! I am sure it was a great experience for all involved to see Jeremy be baptized. As far as any ward training ideas go something that I have enjoyed doing with members is sharing short messages on different gospel related topics (faith, prayer, repentance, God's love... etc) . We share 20 minute lessons with the family and then at the end we ask them who came to mind that could join us next time we come over. During the next visit, assuming they invited a non member, we share relatively the same thing- a short powerful lesson- then we pray and leave. This allows the member and their friend to talk about what we've shared and the spirit guides the way. The hope is that we will be able to eventually teach the non member friend the full on pmg lessons required before baptism. Just a side note is I've found that when we as missionaries share a lesson and then "hang out" with the members that spiritual experience we've just shared is almost nullified. It's important to not offend the Spirit.
That is so great about FHE! I am really looking forward to FHE when I get home. My patriarchal blessing speaks very powerfully about FHE in regard to my own family that I will have and I know that I can learn so much from you and mom about how to do it right. I know that this church is true. I know God loves me. I know much is expected of all of us as hopeful joint heirs with Christ. I know I need a Savior and better than ever understand the Atonement but have so much more to learn. I love you dad.
Elder Jarman
Hey Dad,
I did get that forward haha, oh goodnes... I have yet to receive any valentines day package though, i'll be looking for it. Yup, I will be finishing up here in the Pasadena 2nd ward. I have done my best to cultivate righteous relationships with the members in each area that I've served in. That is pretty sweet you only served in 3 areas. To be able to serve in Deer Park 7 1/2 months has been an incredible blessing and to able to end my service here with Elder Salisbury adds immensely to that blessing. I love Elder Salisbury like a brother. He and I have a very open and healthy relationship. I feel more unified with him than any other companion I have served with before. When we contact or teach the Spirit is so strong, it's wonderful.
Something on my mind today is faith. Gordon B. Hinckley said "Faith isn't a feeling it's a decision." and I couldn't agree more. Faith is the main ingredient of a miracle, coupled with felt need and prayer. I know that the greatest ways to exercise faith are reading the scriptures, praying, and attending church. We have to learn in this life to walk by faith rather than by sight and if we aren't exercising it then it's deteriorating. I am thankful for the faith that I do have and for the ability I have on my mission to strengthen that faith. These two years are like taking spiritual steroids. It's incredible to look back over the path of my mission and see the growth that has occurred. It's liberating. I have never been more dedicated to something in my entire life. I have never experienced something so humbling either. Elder Salisbury and I are blessed each day to be able to go out and try our faith to find. Lately people seem to be opening up and we seem to be able to connect with them. We met a woman named Lydia and I was able to tell her my mother's name is Lydia and how it's the most beautiful name in the world. We have a return appointment with her! Really we do a lot of tracting. Nobody has really caught on fire yet, but I have faith that it will happen soon. That is SOO cool about the Cornish family! I am sure it was a great experience for all involved to see Jeremy be baptized. As far as any ward training ideas go something that I have enjoyed doing with members is sharing short messages on different gospel related topics (faith, prayer, repentance, God's love... etc) . We share 20 minute lessons with the family and then at the end we ask them who came to mind that could join us next time we come over. During the next visit, assuming they invited a non member, we share relatively the same thing- a short powerful lesson- then we pray and leave. This allows the member and their friend to talk about what we've shared and the spirit guides the way. The hope is that we will be able to eventually teach the non member friend the full on pmg lessons required before baptism. Just a side note is I've found that when we as missionaries share a lesson and then "hang out" with the members that spiritual experience we've just shared is almost nullified. It's important to not offend the Spirit.
That is so great about FHE! I am really looking forward to FHE when I get home. My patriarchal blessing speaks very powerfully about FHE in regard to my own family that I will have and I know that I can learn so much from you and mom about how to do it right. I know that this church is true. I know God loves me. I know much is expected of all of us as hopeful joint heirs with Christ. I know I need a Savior and better than ever understand the Atonement but have so much more to learn. I love you dad.
Elder Jarman
I Need Righteous Influences in My Life
February 10, 2010
Mom!~
I did get a new email address, it's this one I am writing to you from. That is so great you saw Alex! I can't wait to hang out with him. I have decided that I need righteous influences in my life. I love knowing that I have so many good friends that watch out for me. I am in constant need of reproof haha. Alex is one such friend that I know will always do what's right. Elder Salisbury is the same way, what a great person! I can't say enough good about him. He is one of my favorite missionaries. We are getting a lot of work done and will be blessed if we continue working hard and being obedient. I have yet to get any package but I will keep my eyes open for sure. I love you mom!
Elder Jarman
Mom!~
I did get a new email address, it's this one I am writing to you from. That is so great you saw Alex! I can't wait to hang out with him. I have decided that I need righteous influences in my life. I love knowing that I have so many good friends that watch out for me. I am in constant need of reproof haha. Alex is one such friend that I know will always do what's right. Elder Salisbury is the same way, what a great person! I can't say enough good about him. He is one of my favorite missionaries. We are getting a lot of work done and will be blessed if we continue working hard and being obedient. I have yet to get any package but I will keep my eyes open for sure. I love you mom!
Elder Jarman
The Rescue
February 3, 2010
Hey Dad,
I am so happy right now. For my last transfer I will be staying in Deer Park but I have been assigned a new companion, Elder Salisbury of Sandy Utah! He and I go wayyyy back to my Jasper days. He was one of the six that spent our hurricaine Ike experience together. Needless to say I am very excited to be his companion. He has always been one of those missionaries that I've felt a solid connection with, he's almost like the little brother I never had. We have a lot of work to do and goals to accomplish. The investigators that we have right now are looking promising but they always do. We are focusing on finding the searchers, so I pray we will be led to them. Raul is a good guy we tracted into that we will going over and teaching on Sundays. He is a really humble genuinely nice man who wants what is best for his family. The Smith's are back on the radar but still so so busy with work and school that fitting us into their already hectic lives will be quite a sacrifice but as we know sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven. Glenn Hasty is an older gentleman that again we tracted into. He and his wife have had to see many of their relatives pass away as they are in their mid 70's. Recently his wife, who we haven't met yet, lost a brother and is struggling with her own health concerns. Elder Salisbury and I are doing a lot of tracting and will be blessed for diligent effort in one way or another. He is a great ball player so for our morning workouts we are starting to go play basketball, it's been nice. I can't express how great it is to be his companion haha. The Pasadena 2nd ward continues to make leaps and bounds! This past week we as missionaries were able to address the congregation and also sing a special musical number. I spoke on obedience and how we are an obedient people, every Sunday we promise to be obedient. We had a combined meeting for the third hour and Bishop Turner unveiled his plan to the ward on how we are going to split this ward in 36 months. It's being called the Rescue. There are 520 members in this ward, 120 on average show up each Sunday- that leaves 400 members that need rescuing! I am so blessed to have seen this great transformation in the ward and will do all I can to help out. We as missionaries are not the main rescue party though, we are mere aids- the rescue aid society (just like in The Rescuers and The Rescuers Down Under haha). We are here to help or aid the ward in making sure this rescue takes place. You are so lucky to be speaking on agency! That is my favorite thing to talk about. It's something that Satan cannot take from us, but rather, only we can give it up- it's our choice. Agency is the ability to choose happiness or sadness, faith or fear. It is the essence of and engine behind our Father's great plan of happiness. I would use D. Todd Christofferson's talks for reference, they are always full of great comments on agency. 2 Nephi 2, the latter part, is one of my favorite chapters when teaching agency and also 2 Nephi 10:23. I love those two because in chapter 2 Lehi is teaching Jacob and then in 2 Nephi 10 Jacob shows his love for Lehi by teaching the same principle, it's beautiful. In life we use the gift of moral agency every day. We can either make celestial, terrestrial, or telestial preparations or corrections- it is all dependent on what we choose. Jesus wants me and all of mankind for a sunbeam, to dwell in the Celestial Kingdom, but even as badly as the Son of God wants that for all of us we still have to make that choice for ourselves- what a powerful thing. I am grateful for the Atonement, without it we would all be lost and fallen forever but because of it we can be found and risen forever. I love being a full time missionary Dad, it's the most fulfilling thing I have ever done in my life. I love you!
Elder Jarman
Hey Dad,
I am so happy right now. For my last transfer I will be staying in Deer Park but I have been assigned a new companion, Elder Salisbury of Sandy Utah! He and I go wayyyy back to my Jasper days. He was one of the six that spent our hurricaine Ike experience together. Needless to say I am very excited to be his companion. He has always been one of those missionaries that I've felt a solid connection with, he's almost like the little brother I never had. We have a lot of work to do and goals to accomplish. The investigators that we have right now are looking promising but they always do. We are focusing on finding the searchers, so I pray we will be led to them. Raul is a good guy we tracted into that we will going over and teaching on Sundays. He is a really humble genuinely nice man who wants what is best for his family. The Smith's are back on the radar but still so so busy with work and school that fitting us into their already hectic lives will be quite a sacrifice but as we know sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven. Glenn Hasty is an older gentleman that again we tracted into. He and his wife have had to see many of their relatives pass away as they are in their mid 70's. Recently his wife, who we haven't met yet, lost a brother and is struggling with her own health concerns. Elder Salisbury and I are doing a lot of tracting and will be blessed for diligent effort in one way or another. He is a great ball player so for our morning workouts we are starting to go play basketball, it's been nice. I can't express how great it is to be his companion haha. The Pasadena 2nd ward continues to make leaps and bounds! This past week we as missionaries were able to address the congregation and also sing a special musical number. I spoke on obedience and how we are an obedient people, every Sunday we promise to be obedient. We had a combined meeting for the third hour and Bishop Turner unveiled his plan to the ward on how we are going to split this ward in 36 months. It's being called the Rescue. There are 520 members in this ward, 120 on average show up each Sunday- that leaves 400 members that need rescuing! I am so blessed to have seen this great transformation in the ward and will do all I can to help out. We as missionaries are not the main rescue party though, we are mere aids- the rescue aid society (just like in The Rescuers and The Rescuers Down Under haha). We are here to help or aid the ward in making sure this rescue takes place. You are so lucky to be speaking on agency! That is my favorite thing to talk about. It's something that Satan cannot take from us, but rather, only we can give it up- it's our choice. Agency is the ability to choose happiness or sadness, faith or fear. It is the essence of and engine behind our Father's great plan of happiness. I would use D. Todd Christofferson's talks for reference, they are always full of great comments on agency. 2 Nephi 2, the latter part, is one of my favorite chapters when teaching agency and also 2 Nephi 10:23. I love those two because in chapter 2 Lehi is teaching Jacob and then in 2 Nephi 10 Jacob shows his love for Lehi by teaching the same principle, it's beautiful. In life we use the gift of moral agency every day. We can either make celestial, terrestrial, or telestial preparations or corrections- it is all dependent on what we choose. Jesus wants me and all of mankind for a sunbeam, to dwell in the Celestial Kingdom, but even as badly as the Son of God wants that for all of us we still have to make that choice for ourselves- what a powerful thing. I am grateful for the Atonement, without it we would all be lost and fallen forever but because of it we can be found and risen forever. I love being a full time missionary Dad, it's the most fulfilling thing I have ever done in my life. I love you!
Elder Jarman
Not Much...
February 3, 2010
I am doing really good. I am serving with Elder Salisbury! He is the man! I love him like a brother. We really get along well. Nothing big other than that happenin' around these parts. I love you
elder Jarman
I am doing really good. I am serving with Elder Salisbury! He is the man! I love him like a brother. We really get along well. Nothing big other than that happenin' around these parts. I love you
elder Jarman
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