The 73rd Chronicle

Hello family and friends! 

When we stop caring about ourselves and what makes us comfortable, that is the moment that true growth begins. I've seen this principle over and over in my mission. There are days that going out and contacting strangers doesn't sound pleasing to the natural man, but every time I've pushed through and done it . . . I have seen miracles! It's all in our mindset, attitude, and focus. The Lord is willing and ready but we need to show that we are determined and receptive. Speaking of miracles, this week was full of them!

1) Zech was baptized and confirmed!

2) We had three tables of non-members and less-actives at the Ward BBQ and the members did a fantastic job of fellowshiping them!

3) Five part-member families had their non-member spouse with them at church.

4) Our Zone had two baptisms and three confirmations this last weekend (the other baptism was the Winter Quarter's STLs and they had a TON of people attend Jess' baptism).

5) We set a Mission Baptismal Goal for September of 35 baptisms and confirmations and we had 34!

6) The Council Bluffs Sisters had two solid baptismal sets drop them the week of their baptism earlier this transfer, but they found two more and they both came to church!

7) Zech's non-member girlfriend and her whole family came to his confirmation.

8) We were able to start teaching four new people this week (two tracted into, one a self media referral, and another unbaptized child of semi-record).

The list goes on and on, but I will say that this is in direct reflection of obedience, diligence, and the tender mercies of the Lord.

So! Our friend Zech was baptized and confirmed! Not only is he an avid fan of anime, video games, and long walks but he is also a classic example of sincerity and charity. We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to share in his journey of conversion. One cool experience I wanted to share! After having taught Zech over the course of 4 or 5 months we were struggling to have him come to church. He was praying and reading like crazy, but come Sunday morning ...things came up and he didn't attend (we even had solid fellowshippers for him and rides set up each week). That's when the idea to take him to the Trail Center and Temple grounds popped in our head. So, after having a sweet tour from the Trail Center Sisters we walked around the temple with him and his Mom. As we walked we discussed the importance of temples and the work we do inside. It was then that Zech caught the vision of what comes after baptism. He felt the Spirit and knew that this was something he wanted to work towards. The next weekend he came to church, which was amazing. He again felt the Spirit and told us, "I'm coming every week now!” We can testify that the Spirit and the vision of the temple was key for him and is key for all converts in making the step to baptism.

#WeBaptizeNations #ScripturePower #PreachMyGospelByTheSpirit #WatersOfMormon

Also, quick pro tip to make a great day! If you go to bed early around the same time and wake up each morning at the exact same time it becomes easier every consecutive week to get out of bed. Your body will even wake itself up a bit before your alarm. Then! If you combine that with a meaningful activity or morning routine . . . now you've got traction!! Add a burst-of-energy-into-action as soon as the alarm goes off. For example: instantly hop out of bed, drop to your knees and pray, and then head outside to do some exercise and breathing patterns. Boom! You've set yourself up for a killer day. If you keep the heart pumping for 20-30 mins your whole body will feel alive and powerful the rest of the time you are awake. It will now be even easier to go to bed AND wake up the next day. Not to mention you'll feel great. Try it out.

Quote of the Week: "Casual prayer won't be enough. Reading a few verses of the scriptures won't be enough. Doing the minimum of what the Lord asks of us won't be enough. Hoping that we will have the Atonement work in our lives and that we will perhaps sometimes feel the influence of the Holy Ghost won't be enough. One great burst of effort won't be enough. Only a steady, ever-increasing effort will allow the Lord to take us to the higher ground." -President Henry B. Eyring

Kia Kaha!

Elder Brady