The 39th Chronicle

Hello Family & Friends!

It sure was an interesting week. Almost as if I took a ride on the rocky roller coaster of "EMOTIONS". To start off we had a fantastic time at Zone Conference. President Ence, Sister Ence, the Assistants, and Zone Leaders all gave excellent training. We discussed obedience, diligence, charity, and improvement. We were able to look inside ourselves and ask the question ... "What are our weapons of rebellion?" Then we got to commit to bury those weapons DEEP in the earth as we totally surrender to the Lord. It was inspiring! It made me think of the Anti-Nephi-Lehi's and the weapons they buried in the earth. Sure is easier to not use your sword when it's twenty feet below (or how ever deep they buried them). Like President Benson said, "It is better to prepare and prevent than to repair and repent." So that was a great day! Well, later this last week it got really rough. No idea why. It just seemed as if the harder I tried to change the worse I felt. A whole stream of expectations, negative thoughts, and inadequate emotions flooded my soul. Not fun. Almost as if Satan was trying to say "Haha, you thought you would be able to change but that's not gonna happen." It can be easy at times to see all our faults and imperfections. That's okay because it can help us have DIVINE DISCONTENT which motivates us to improve. But, like I experienced that line is very fine. The adversary will try and slip in PARALYZING DISCOURAGEMENT in it's place. I know I complicate things too often. This was one of those moments. Sometimes all we got to do is focus on being a good boy or good girl and making small changes rather than trying to do a massive overhaul. One thing I also learned from that experience is that when we are faced with a challenge or task we need to "Just Do It!" Rather than worrying we just need to start and then improve as you go! P.S. Despite the fact that there are no smiling pictures this week I'll have you know that I'm doing well and all we were trying to do was look cool =P

BINGO this week was a blast! We usually just play an hour, giving out a cap of $5 in total prizes (with two dimes a winner), and then we are done. Well this week the ladies and gentleman we play with won a bunch of money! We had played about half an hour and our $5 in dimes was almost out! We announced that we might have to end early because of the low supply of dimes. That's when one of the ladies exclaimed, "Well then... I guess we'll just have to shake you both down for change!" I died. Lol. I'm gonna miss my friends at Homestead Assisted Living.

I'm getting transferred! More details next week. If you have any letters or packages to send me (of course you do!) then please hold them until I can get my new address out. Exciting news! Elder Norman is also going to train! Ahhhhhh. I'm super excited for him. He is gonna do great. That makes a total of two boys and two grand-boys for me. I'm a proud parent (and grandparent) of some serious stellar missionaries. When President called to let Elder Norman know he was training he also let me know where I am going. My next comp and area is gonna be sweet! Stay tuned for grand adventures and aesthetic photos. Love you all!

Kia Kaha!

Elder Brady