May 27th, 2013 - So it Begins!

Well everyone here it is!

I don't know about you guys... but these two weeks have absolutely flown by! I leave the MTC tomorrow morning, and it's been such a blast. My favorite part of being here has definitely been the devotionals we've been able to watch, partially because I know that I'll never get to see those again (unless I end up being like a branch president or something here... that would be pretty sweet). I might have to send out an email next week with my notes from all of them (the parts I want to share) just so you guys can have a glimpse into how awesome they are. Aside from that, my experience here has been pretty sweet. My district is still ridiculously awesome, and it's incredible how close we've gotten over the mere period of two weeks. The study time is still quite awesome, but I think I've begun to enjoy the teaching chances more - TRC (Training Resource Center for those not familiar with MTC acronyms) is a blast.

Just so you're all aware - and this is kind of really really important - I know that the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ is the word of God. I know it to be true, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Christ's church on the Earth today. That's rather important to me, otherwise I wouldn't be out here getting ready to head off and tell the people of Oklahoma that. I know that if you take the chance to follow the teachings of Christ and his church that your life will be blessed - I've seen it already in mine, and in the lives of those I teach.

Well, aside from that I don't really have any huge major events that have happened since I got here, though I have gotten the chance to see a bunch of Elders and Sisters that I knew previously such as Sister Roseman, Hermana Lind, Hermana Baria, Elder Mccullough, Sister Macintosh, a friend named Robert who I can't spell his last name,  and Elder White. It's been pretty sweet to see familiar faces and it has definitely made the days much easier.

So a scripture I've heard a lot while I'm here is Proverbs 3:5-6, which talks about trusting in the Lord. Goodness how applicable that scripture is here! There are so many things that I just have to take on faith that they'll work out that I don't even care to count them. It also applies in all my relationships with my district and companion as I know there's a reason I've been placed with them.

In addition to that one, a scripture I've looked over quite often is Alma 34:14-17 (and just that chapter in general... it's pretty great). One of the devotionals pointed out those verses to me and had us count how many times the phrase "Faith unto repentance" is there, so I challenge you guys to do that as well.

Then there's one of my favorite scriptures: D&C 121:7-9 which has basically been a great help to me throughout these two weeks as a source of peace and comfort. I know that my time serving the Lord isn't very long (for those of you older than me... what were you doing two years ago?), so I need to make the most of it as I know it will all be a good thing in the end.

On a slightly random note, if you don't have a paper copy of any of these books of scripture that I know are true - specifically the Book of Mormon or Doctrine and Covenants - check out lds.org and go to the scriptures category to find an online version.

As I've been here at the MTC and as I head off to the mission field I plan on taking Nephi's advice in 2 Nephi 33:15 "and I must obey. Amen." The MTC President pointed out that as Nephi's last words of scripture he put that, and he made sure to have us recognize the importance of obedience.

On another note, I hope all of you are doing well out in the world, and that you'll let me know how you are doing, as I love to hear from you! Feel free to send me an email, but since I only check that once a week it might be a better idea to send me real snail mail at the mission home address:
416 SW 79th St

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA 73139-8121

Sincerely,

Elder Jordan Nielson