The 14th Chronicle

August 18, 2018

The 14th Chronicle

Hello Family & Friends!

Guess what?? It was another week of Exchanges! Man, being the DLB (District Leader Buddy) is the best! This week we went with the Kanesville Elders (E. Thomas and E. Carpenter) and I got to be with Elder Carpenter. We had a blast! Saw literal miracles all day long. We contacted one of the people we are teaching who happens to own a Delorean (think "Back to the Future"...see picture), had a yummy dinner and lesson with a member family who invited over a young man that we are now teaching, had a completely spirit-driven lesson with a guy named Russ on the street and he is now set for baptism, and met a kid named Dillon who is so so prepared I can't even handle it. Not to mention Elder Carpenter is just an amazing guy so it made for a really good time. Funny thing is usually both sets of Elders (for a total of four peeps) will all sleep in the same apartment during exchanges since it lasts for 24-hours and stays in one area. Since we have two apartments though, we ended up parting ways (like Ammon and his brothers) to blitz two sides of our area at the same time. Sure made it interesting!

Also, I have to share a funny spiritual experience I had with Elder Carpenter during exchanges. We were doing some studies (companionship study I believe) and as we finished we knelt to close in prayer. It took a bit to actually pray cause he made a joke and we couldn't stop laughing. Then all the sudden he got all serious and with a half teasing but sincere tone said, "One second, I'm about to talk to God." When we finished praying I couldn't help but think the power of that statement. "I'm about to talk to God." I don't know about you but it sure hit me (in that moment) that we can actually TALK to God—the most all-powerful, all-knowing, all-loving person of all time. He loves us. He wants to hear from us. We can actually talk to him. Talk about cool!

My Father gave me long legs, my Mother gave me small feet, my Heavenly Father gave me a valiant spirit and I definitely needed all three of those today! I will also add that both my Earthly parents and Heavenly parents have supported me through thick and thin and taught me to push myself farther than I ever thought I could go. Welp... a few short hours ago I ran 15 miles. I have never ran more than maybe 4 miles in my whole life (until today). Ya know, running is a lot like life! We need to remember to not "run faster than we have strength". As we are obedient to commandments we are blessed that we will "run and not be weary". The only thing that will prepare us for life... is to experience it. Just. Like. Running. We can only take it a step/hour, a lap/day, and mile/week at a time. If we want to succeed we must be physically and mentally prepared. We have to do the basics (like to apply mole skin, drink lots of water, hydrate with electrolytes, keep a steady breathing rhythm, take proper nutrition, take appropriate rests, and avoid harmful substances) so you'll be able to keep pushing. It humbles us. As we continue to take those strides we begin to feel the "high" or joy of running/life. Running (like life) is easier when you have a companion running right beside you. The biggest battle is your mental stamina rather than physical. You must be able to pace yourself. Anyhow... some thoughts from today. We really can do a lot more than we think!

We met the most adorable girl ever! She is so cute! Her name is Dixie and I'm guessing she is about five years old. We were teaching her Mom when she came up and asked me, "Do you like my dress?" I said, "Yes Dixie, I really like your dress." She replied to that with a... "Thank you!" Haha, I love how she basically asked me to compliment her and then said thank you. Kids are hilarious =)

It has been so interesting as I've talked to people here in Logan Iowa. Some people have lived here their whole lives. Some moved here a year ago. Most people though are here just because they are here. I've have only met a few people that are here because they REALLY want to be. It made me think. There is nothing stopping them from moving. They could move anywhere in the USA easily... yet they stay. Is it because of a mental barrier? Is it because they are stuck in a job (which they could change as well)? Is it because of family? Are they really where they are supposed to be? Are they just floating through life? It sure made me think. I'm so glad that we are so blessed to be able to have the spirit with as a constant companion to let us know where we are supposed to be when we are supposed to be there. All we have to do is be worthy and to listen. Where are we supposed to be?

Kia Kaha!

Elder Brady

Note From Christine: I received these texts/pics from people in Elder Brady’s mission area this week...

“These two are going to teach a first discussion at my house tonight :)

thank you for your boys!”