The 41st Chronicle

Hello family and friends!

A couple months ago someone told me that bullying had been going on in missions around the world. I dismissed the comment with the thought that “This couldn't be true". IT'S TRUE. Despite the fact that missionaries are excepted to uphold the highest standards of conduct, they are still people who fall painfully short of the mark. Still, there is no justification for ANYONE to bully others. We are servants of the most high God. We are on the same team! If we aren't baptizing more people it's because we aren't obedient and we are fighting amongst ourselves. There is nothing that makes me more upset than to see someone who is being attacked and made fun of (especially when they are trying to do what is to right). I have received letters and emails from missionaries who don't know what to do. They are asking the question of "Why be obedient if everyone hates me for it?" or "Why keep trying if it's just so hard?". This is something that needs to stop. We need to rally together.  Each of us have talents and weaknesses. We need to put aside our natural man and become dedicated to the service of our Lord. This is not the time to pick on each other but to pick each other up.

When you are surrounded by young single people (especially around Valentine's Day) it's kinda hard not to discuss topics such as drama, relationships, rings, and marriage. With that said, here are some thoughts. I have met more single girls (and almost as many guys) in two weeks than probably the last nine months. In contrasting their different personalities, temperaments, aspirations, and spirituality it's become even more apparent how important a future spouse is. A lot of these girls are about drinking, parties, likes, worldly praise, being better than others, tattoos, gossip, and cynicism. Very toxic. They ARE daughters of God, yes. Sadly, they have chosen to be influenced by the world. While they are very cute on the outside their inner beauty is lacking. Fast forward to meeting the Birbank family on exchanges. Talk about a perfect family! He is handsome and she is beautiful. They are both athletic and talented. She is a fantastic cook (all healthy and from scratch) and she’s an artist. He served a mission and is going to school to become a dentist. They have four cute kids who are all well behaved. They teach their kids to love the gospel and memorize scriptures. Their home is well decorated and comfy. The spirit is there. They love the Lord and do missionary work all the time. They are kind, caring, confident, service-minded, united, amazing parents. They have it all! I want that. Not that advice from a missionary in the YSA is worth much, but I will say ...choose your spouse carefully. Don't go for just the shell of a person. Find someone who is beautiful inside and out. Strive to create something like (not exactly, but like) the Birbank family.

I am so blessed!! For some reason this week I've come to a greater appreciation for my life. I can see. I can hear. I can actually read. I can smell. I can touch. I have a healthy body. I can play sports. I can drive. I can cook. I have two wonderful parents. I have three stellar siblings. I have friends that write me letters (well once every blue moon XD). I can worship God as I want. I can make choices. I have the ability to create. I am a missionary. I can build people up. I have so much. I am so grateful to my God for what he has given me. Look at what we are blessed with!

Kia Kaha!

Elder Brady