The 24th Chronicle

Hello Family & Friends!

This last week we went and visited Patriarch Moore! He is the epitome of a "Man of God". His life has been dedicated to the service of others and has literally done so much for this ward over the years. It was cool because as we visited he shared with us a really cool experience he had with President Gordon B. Hinckley decades ago. Patriarch was over in Japan working on the construction of a new chapel at the same time that President Hinckley was visiting the country. The prophet had come down that day to review the progress of the site and as he visited with the men (working on the building) he shook each of their hands. They had been down in the dirt by the foundation and were covered in mud. When President Hinckley came up to shake Patriarch Moore's hand he said, "Oh President, my hands are dirty!". President Hinckley replied, "Shake my hand!". So, he did.  Patriarch Moore watched him after he left and the prophet never once wiped his hands off.

Overcoming addictions is a fact of life. On the mission I have had to opportunity to work closely with a wide variety of people and their addictions. Interestingly enough, addiction has always fascinated me. In High School I took courses on multiple forms of addiction and the subsequent neurological reactions. Cool stuff! The more I learn about addiction the more I can see how damaging it is to an individual and their family. It puts us in bondage. It twists our belief system. It changes our brain and literally affects how we think. All of us struggle with it in one form or another. The good news is there is hope! The easiest way to quit, stay clean, or overcome is to never get close to it. My Grandpa told my Dad when he was little that, "If you never touch a Beer... you'll never drink." That is good for those that haven't started partaking of certain addictions. Many of us have already succumb though. How do we succeed then? First, start the process of repentance and that includes getting help through confessing or telling loved ones. You can't overcome addiction without connection! Then the resources start to pour in: 12-step programs, techniques, principles, substitutes, and lots of prayer. It is a fact of life, but that doesn't mean we have to let it keep us in bondage. 

Our Zone has recently made an emphasis on building strength and unity. How are we doing this? Keeping daily contact with each other, planning fun activities, keeping positive interaction, sharing personal experiences, asking for advice, serving each other, and praying for one another. Good stuff! What are some ways you think we could build the strength and unity of our families as we have tried to do in our zone?

Kia Kaha!

Elder Brady

Note from Christine (paraphrased from Mission Secretary):  You may recall the story behind this painting. It portrays Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball leaving for their mission to England. This was a significant event. They left when they were ill, and their wives and families were also sick. With great effort, they rose from where they were laying in the wagon, and exclaimed with fervor “Hurrah, Hurrah, Hurrah for Israel!” 

Continued:  The images to the back and side signify the premortal spirits who watched this momentous event and pledged in the premortal existence to follow their example to fulfill missions and do the Lord’s work. (Artist: Larry Wade).  The Nebraska Omaha Mission relive this moment at every Transfer day, an appropriate battle cry for God’s servants as was exemplified by Elders Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball, sick as they were, but both consecrated to the work.  We see our missionaries off with all the hope and love that they will go forth to fulfill their purpose.  

Note from Christine:  Elder Brady’s next transfer date is November 14th.