The 69th Chronicle

Hello family and friends! 

Last week Elder Halsell and I had the sweet opportunity to bring Brother Sutton with us to the Mormon Trail Center. "Jim" (as he likes to be called) gave the Sisters that serve there a brief training on self-defense using Wing Chun (a style of Kung Fu or Chinese Martial Arts). Since I've been learning from Jim, and Elder Halsell is already qualified to teach Martial Arts, we were able to assist in the training.

It was really cool to see the Sisters get excited to learn each new movement and technique. Everyone was surprised at how simple yet effective the instruction was. I think many Sisters realized that when using these principles, they could in fact successfully defend themselves. The overall effect was increased confidence, a fresh feeling of empowerment, and a desire to learn more! 

It's interesting how as one trains to defend themself from evil of any kind, their fear of attack diminishes. As we train we fear those forces less because now we know what to do if that situation arises. At the same time, our respect for the foe increases. When we train we understand that darkness is powerful and if we don't prepare, we will get taken down. We are vulnerable without that preparation. Taking responsibility for our own protection (while trusting in the Lord), is essential to escaping the adversary.

I think this can apply to the gospel! We train ourselves by doing the critical daily gospel tasks we have been given (prayer, scripture study). If we don't spiritually train we will get destroyed. Whether by brutal force or careful craftiness, Satan is out to get us. May we all start training ourselves in self-defense not only physically but spiritually.

(Unrelated) Quote of the Week: "My beloved brothers and sisters, what has been accomplished thus far in this dispensation communicating gospel messages through social media channels is a good beginning—but only a small trickle. I now extend to you the invitation to help transform the trickle into a flood. Beginning at this place on this day, I exhort you to sweep the earth with messages filled with righteousness and truth—messages that are authentic, edifying, and praiseworthy—and literally to sweep the earth as with a flood." -Elder Bendar

Kia Kaha!

Elder Brady