Dear Beloved Parents,
Happy Anniversary!!! This is definitely a time for me to celebrate as well! I love you both so much and am so glad that we're sealed together for eternity! I hope you're having a wonderful trip. I love hearing about the happy times that you're having and how you're learning and growing.
Guess what? Tomorrow I'm being transferred to PUEBLO with Elder Oakes! It sure seems like I'm moving around a lot, but I don't mind. This last transfer seems to have gone by 2 or 3 times faster than the first one!
Anyways, lately I've felt impressed to get a journal to use for recording impressions, ideas, and applications that come to mind while I study and ponder the Book of Mormon. So yesterday I got one and this morning I started it with 1 Nephi chapter 1! One thing that came to mind as I was studying was that I felt impressed to do better at following President Eyering's counsel to "remember how merciful the Lord hath been" on a daily basis. I had a great habit of doing that before when Mom encouraged me to, but I need to start doing that again. It's definitely an important element to a journal entry.
Mission experience of the week:On Sunday night we felt very blessed. After a wonderful day at church we attended an 8 yr. old baptismal service where we met a couple of nonmembers, and gave them our number. We know that they felt the Spirit, so we're excited to meet with them later. After that we hit the bikes and were able to teach a couple of lessons on the street. Then we finally were able contact the Brianna's mother, who we've tried to contact for some time. Brianna wants to get baptized, and her mom expressed her concern that Brianna should really know what she's getting into before committing to it. Her mom also agreed to read the Book of Mormon to find out about it herself!
Colorado missionary work is a lot different than Utah missionary work. At home it was a battle for the importance of religion. Here it is a battle for the correctness of religion. We've experience a lot of difference of interpretation and religious belief (and anti-mormonism), and we have to learn to stand our ground. It's hard to see a lot of really genuine people who want to do what's right, but are led astray and kept from the truth because of their current beliefs. It's a great experience for me though! I've had a chance to view and ponder our doctrines in a whole different light. Things like the great apostasy, continuous revelation, priesthood authority, and our potential to become like God have all taken on a whole new meaning for me as they stand in contrast to the views of the world. One day a lady, who we tracted into one day, called us up and agreed to hear more about the Book of Mormon, but she said that she wanted us to watch a video about it first. We try to be open to hear others' points of view to offer to same respect and time that we're asking for, so we agreed. Boy was it an anti-mormon movie! We then do our best to resolve their concerns and bare our testimonies, but at some point we just need to move on.
My thought for the week is to remember the importance of sacrifice. We don't need to worry about being up to date in the ways of the world. We don't have to see every movie or going to every party; just do what is right and don't waste your time with things of no worth. The Lord also teaches us to not run faster than we have strength. Focus on what's most important, and always strive to follow the promptings of the Spirit in EVERYTHING you do. The yoke of a disciple of Jesus Christ is easy and light. Be anxiously engaged in a good cause, then trust in the Lord.
I love you all! Have a great week!
Sincerely,
Elder Craft
Showing posts with label Emails. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Emails. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Transferred to Monument, Colorado
#1 email
Guess where I'm being transferred to tomorrow?
Monument, Colorado!!! My companion will be Elder Petters :)
I've had a great first transfer, but I'm also excited for my next one!
Thank you so much for all of your prayers. I love you all!
P.S. If the handbook says to only use email with "immediate family," should I only write Grandma and Grandpa Craft with actual letters?
If so, then I need there mailing addresses. Thanks!
Monument, Colorado!!! My companion will be Elder Petters :)
I've had a great first transfer, but I'm also excited for my next one!
Thank you so much for all of your prayers. I love you all!
P.S. If the handbook says to only use email with "immediate family," should I only write Grandma and Grandpa Craft with actual letters?
If so, then I need there mailing addresses. Thanks!
#2 email
Dear Dad,
Thank you again for your email. It sounds like you're having a lot of fun, but not as much fun as me!
I really love that idea about work. One of the hard things about being a junior companion is that the senior mostly sets the pace for how hard we work. I could take the lead more, but it's a balance between not trying to be controlling or pesty and also having fun, keeping the Spirt, working in unity, and staying yoked to my companion. We've been able to have success and I've learned a lot this transfer, but I'm excited to have a new start and set the stage for a whole new level of diligence.
Your testimony always strengthens me. Thanks for everything!
(Mom got a letter too but it was more personal so I didn't post it)
#3 email
Okay I got on another library computer, so I can continue my weekly report :)
I really miss Joshua for some reason. He's such an awesome kid! Will you give him this message:
Hi Joshua, it's Spencer! I'm a missionary right now and I get to teach people about the gospel, the prophet, Jesus Christ, and the scriptures! I'm having a great time, but I miss you a lot! You're such a great boy! Remember to always be happy and nice, and be obedient to Mom and Dad. Keep smiling big and remember to pray a lot to Heavenly Father. Thank you so much for praying for me! Keep reading, working, and playing hard! And take care of my room will ya? I love you so much Joshua! See ya!
Hey Mom, could you send me my Spanish notes as well? There's no rush, but they're up in my closet, in a grey filing bin. There should be a seperate folder for Spanish. Thank you so much!
I read a really amazing talk by Pres. Monson recently. It was for my companion who will be going home soon, but I think we could all benefit from it. It's called: Finishers Wanted. Try to pick out the quote that I want posted in my home some day :)
Hey Mom, I wanted to tell you a little bit about Sister Pfile, so you're confident that I'm being taken care of. She is so nice! She was a nurse and so she's really concerned with all of our physical well-beings, but she's also a very spiritual person. She told me the morning after my first night out here that she imagined that she would like my mother a lot. I confirmed it wholeheartedly, because I know that it's extremely hard to find anyone who wouldn't love to be your friend! Maybe you'll get to meet her some day :)
I have one humble (but sincere) request to make. After the Corolla breaks down (if Benson doesn't use it up until I get back), could you PLEASE hang onto it for me to play with when I get back? It's kind of a cool street decoration, and I think that I'd be in paradise getting to take that thing apart. (Assuming you comply) Thank you so much! :)
I love you all!
I really miss Joshua for some reason. He's such an awesome kid! Will you give him this message:
Hi Joshua, it's Spencer! I'm a missionary right now and I get to teach people about the gospel, the prophet, Jesus Christ, and the scriptures! I'm having a great time, but I miss you a lot! You're such a great boy! Remember to always be happy and nice, and be obedient to Mom and Dad. Keep smiling big and remember to pray a lot to Heavenly Father. Thank you so much for praying for me! Keep reading, working, and playing hard! And take care of my room will ya? I love you so much Joshua! See ya!
Hey Mom, could you send me my Spanish notes as well? There's no rush, but they're up in my closet, in a grey filing bin. There should be a seperate folder for Spanish. Thank you so much!
I read a really amazing talk by Pres. Monson recently. It was for my companion who will be going home soon, but I think we could all benefit from it. It's called: Finishers Wanted. Try to pick out the quote that I want posted in my home some day :)
Hey Mom, I wanted to tell you a little bit about Sister Pfile, so you're confident that I'm being taken care of. She is so nice! She was a nurse and so she's really concerned with all of our physical well-beings, but she's also a very spiritual person. She told me the morning after my first night out here that she imagined that she would like my mother a lot. I confirmed it wholeheartedly, because I know that it's extremely hard to find anyone who wouldn't love to be your friend! Maybe you'll get to meet her some day :)
I have one humble (but sincere) request to make. After the Corolla breaks down (if Benson doesn't use it up until I get back), could you PLEASE hang onto it for me to play with when I get back? It's kind of a cool street decoration, and I think that I'd be in paradise getting to take that thing apart. (Assuming you comply) Thank you so much! :)
I love you all!
#4 email
One thing I'm looking forward to is coming back and having good gospel discussions. I had an idea for family study: you could get the student manuals for each book of scripture, and at the end of each chapter are good questions that you could discuss as a family.
Some one recommended a book that sounded good to me. It's called The Last Lecture and it's about a professor who finds out he's dying to he offers one last lecture with all these words of wisdom. Apparently it's about following your dreams and stuff like that. Maybe you could look it up on Amazon or something like that.
I decided that because I get to go to so many dinners that I should keep track of all the good ideas. One time we had olives in the spaggetti sauce, which was really good. You should try it! Another time, we had baked potatoes that were glazed with cooking oil and seasonings, which made the skins yummy to eat :)
Anyways, that's all for this week. In the future I'll be writing a lot more about missionary work. I am writing down my experiences and all the wonderful things I learn. There's just so much to tell you guys!
Love,
Elder Craft
I decided that because I get to go to so many dinners that I should keep track of all the good ideas. One time we had olives in the spaggetti sauce, which was really good. You should try it! Another time, we had baked potatoes that were glazed with cooking oil and seasonings, which made the skins yummy to eat :)
Anyways, that's all for this week. In the future I'll be writing a lot more about missionary work. I am writing down my experiences and all the wonderful things I learn. There's just so much to tell you guys!
Love,
Elder Craft
Monday, June 22, 2009
Chiropractors & Schedules
Dear Family,
How are all of you? I sure do love all of you very much!
Dad, thank you so much for the email. The words of wisdom are very helpful and inspiring! I love you so much and hope you had a great Father's Day! It stinks that I couldn't call you :(
Mom, thank you for your letters and support. I love you so much! How is your calling going?
Anyways, how much does it cost to get an adjustment at the chiropractor? Because I get them for free. There is a member who does it for the missionaries. In fact, the very first day I got out here, he brought me into this chiropractor's office for the first time in my life, and laid me on this moving bed while this stranger started twisting my body in weird ways while cracking joints I didn't even know I had! Needless to say it was a traumatizing experience. :PI eventually got over it and he's a really nice guy! :) Right now we're trying to convince his secretary to take the lessons :)
I decided to create a recommended reading list for all of you: In the March 2009 Ensign: the article about family general conference prep and the article about learning to share the gospel. In I think the June Ensign: the article "Our refined heavenly home"
Random thoughts: I'm not sure if you have access to them, but if you could get a hold of the Preach My Gospel DVD's, that would be a great mission prep tool for the boys and for you guys.
In the MTC, while reading the scriptures as a class, we would stop after every column to discuss. It really helped us pay attention and think about it more. It also made it more meaningful, so I think that could be a great practice for family scripture reading.
In my martial arts class at BYU, my teacher said that the two highest levels of learning are: teaching and application. Those ideas have come to be very meaningful for me in gospel study. I think that as you study the scriptures, talks, or anything, take time to do both of those things. Either really talk to someone, write it down, or just do it in your head, but make sure you do it! Think of SPECIFIC goals you could set as a result of what you've learned. Also, figure out how you could share that principle in your own words with someone else.
In the MTC we all progressed a lot! It was a very effective learning experience. In the mission field, we continue to be effective and successful, and I've realized that it is because of our organized lives. We have a schedule. We spend time every night to plan the next day (trying to have something meaningful done every hour of the day). We have a set study, exercise, sleeping, and cleaning schedule, and we stick to it! We have many routines as missionaries in the MTC and in the field, and that allows us to make the most of our time. The same is true with Church. No one misses it because its routine is set in stone. The youth have an amazing experience at EFY, and it's because of the order with which everything is done. I think the same care should be given to our daily lives and with our families. God's home, mind, family, church, and life is one of order.
I need to go, but I love you all! Have a great week!
How are all of you? I sure do love all of you very much!
Dad, thank you so much for the email. The words of wisdom are very helpful and inspiring! I love you so much and hope you had a great Father's Day! It stinks that I couldn't call you :(
Mom, thank you for your letters and support. I love you so much! How is your calling going?
Anyways, how much does it cost to get an adjustment at the chiropractor? Because I get them for free. There is a member who does it for the missionaries. In fact, the very first day I got out here, he brought me into this chiropractor's office for the first time in my life, and laid me on this moving bed while this stranger started twisting my body in weird ways while cracking joints I didn't even know I had! Needless to say it was a traumatizing experience. :PI eventually got over it and he's a really nice guy! :) Right now we're trying to convince his secretary to take the lessons :)
I decided to create a recommended reading list for all of you: In the March 2009 Ensign: the article about family general conference prep and the article about learning to share the gospel. In I think the June Ensign: the article "Our refined heavenly home"
Random thoughts: I'm not sure if you have access to them, but if you could get a hold of the Preach My Gospel DVD's, that would be a great mission prep tool for the boys and for you guys.
In the MTC, while reading the scriptures as a class, we would stop after every column to discuss. It really helped us pay attention and think about it more. It also made it more meaningful, so I think that could be a great practice for family scripture reading.
In my martial arts class at BYU, my teacher said that the two highest levels of learning are: teaching and application. Those ideas have come to be very meaningful for me in gospel study. I think that as you study the scriptures, talks, or anything, take time to do both of those things. Either really talk to someone, write it down, or just do it in your head, but make sure you do it! Think of SPECIFIC goals you could set as a result of what you've learned. Also, figure out how you could share that principle in your own words with someone else.
In the MTC we all progressed a lot! It was a very effective learning experience. In the mission field, we continue to be effective and successful, and I've realized that it is because of our organized lives. We have a schedule. We spend time every night to plan the next day (trying to have something meaningful done every hour of the day). We have a set study, exercise, sleeping, and cleaning schedule, and we stick to it! We have many routines as missionaries in the MTC and in the field, and that allows us to make the most of our time. The same is true with Church. No one misses it because its routine is set in stone. The youth have an amazing experience at EFY, and it's because of the order with which everything is done. I think the same care should be given to our daily lives and with our families. God's home, mind, family, church, and life is one of order.
I need to go, but I love you all! Have a great week!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Castle Rock, Colorado
Hello Family!
Thank you so much for all your letters, love, support, and prayers. I have really felt and appreciated them.
I don't know if my President told you, but I'm in Castle Rock, Colorado! It's at the very top of the mission (speaking in terms of geography and wealth :) ). We get fed every night and the people here are very friendly. I'm living in the basement of some members, which is really nice. We have a car because our area is so big (we cover 3 wards) and don't really use our bikes. Oh well I like the bike anyways. The camel back bag they gave me is nice, but it's not big enough for my missionary stuff. Should I give it back or just save it for home?
Just continue to send packages and letters to the mission office because they forward them to me after that. Thanks!
I love you all very much! It's hard not to miss you, but I'm doing my best.
I'm very happy to here the news about all of you. I'm glad everything is going well. Great job Mom and Dad! You guys are awesome!
My companion is Elder Godinez (Go-dee-nez). He was born in Mexico City then moved to Chicago when he was eight. He's a great guy. He's helping me a lot with "making it real" when I teach. He speaks Spanish which is so helpful because a lot of Spanish people are very receptive when he speaks to them in their native language. We have gotten several appointments that way, and it sure makes my job easy! I just say, "Adios!"
It's been a busy week, but I am getting used to it all. The Adversary is working on me like all other new missionaries, but my reply is: "Is that the best you got?" It's hard, but very rewarding. I've felt the Spirit and an incredible amount of joy these past few days. It's hard to know what to say and how to handle unpolite rejection (which doesn't happen that often), but I'm sure that it will get easier as time goes on. I definitely love missionary work! We've been able to give a couple of blessings, set several return appointments, and share our testimonies!
Last transfer (6 weeks) my companion baptized 7 people, and still has left a lot of potentials for us to work with. However, we did find 1 new guy who wants to be baptized and were able to set the date for two others. We should have a baptism this Thursday for a guy in his sixties named John Souther. I didn't teach him the lessons. We just went and met with him, practiced teaching a few things, and set a date.
Anyways, I need to go soon, but I would challenge you all to study the last chapter of the Book of Mormon and set a goal to apply one of its principles. I know that you are watched over and that the Gospel is true! Don't hesitate to share spiritual truths with others. I love you all!
--Elder Craft
Thank you so much for all your letters, love, support, and prayers. I have really felt and appreciated them.
I don't know if my President told you, but I'm in Castle Rock, Colorado! It's at the very top of the mission (speaking in terms of geography and wealth :) ). We get fed every night and the people here are very friendly. I'm living in the basement of some members, which is really nice. We have a car because our area is so big (we cover 3 wards) and don't really use our bikes. Oh well I like the bike anyways. The camel back bag they gave me is nice, but it's not big enough for my missionary stuff. Should I give it back or just save it for home?
Just continue to send packages and letters to the mission office because they forward them to me after that. Thanks!
I love you all very much! It's hard not to miss you, but I'm doing my best.
I'm very happy to here the news about all of you. I'm glad everything is going well. Great job Mom and Dad! You guys are awesome!
My companion is Elder Godinez (Go-dee-nez). He was born in Mexico City then moved to Chicago when he was eight. He's a great guy. He's helping me a lot with "making it real" when I teach. He speaks Spanish which is so helpful because a lot of Spanish people are very receptive when he speaks to them in their native language. We have gotten several appointments that way, and it sure makes my job easy! I just say, "Adios!"
It's been a busy week, but I am getting used to it all. The Adversary is working on me like all other new missionaries, but my reply is: "Is that the best you got?" It's hard, but very rewarding. I've felt the Spirit and an incredible amount of joy these past few days. It's hard to know what to say and how to handle unpolite rejection (which doesn't happen that often), but I'm sure that it will get easier as time goes on. I definitely love missionary work! We've been able to give a couple of blessings, set several return appointments, and share our testimonies!
Last transfer (6 weeks) my companion baptized 7 people, and still has left a lot of potentials for us to work with. However, we did find 1 new guy who wants to be baptized and were able to set the date for two others. We should have a baptism this Thursday for a guy in his sixties named John Souther. I didn't teach him the lessons. We just went and met with him, practiced teaching a few things, and set a date.
Anyways, I need to go soon, but I would challenge you all to study the last chapter of the Book of Mormon and set a goal to apply one of its principles. I know that you are watched over and that the Gospel is true! Don't hesitate to share spiritual truths with others. I love you all!
--Elder Craft
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Week 2 in MTC
This is the email we got from him last week. He is now in the mission field in Colorado Springs! Here's his latest email:
"I love you all so very much!
Thank you for all of your wonderful and loving support!
Give Brittney a hug for me because, behind Mom, she is in the lead for most letters. I've already gotten two! Even Katie Marie has been drawing pictures for me :) I guess I'm the first missionary she'll be writing.
Anyways, thank you so much Dad for your letters of wisdom, love, and support. I really appreciate it.
Just to let you know I am on a time limit, so sometimes I have to go kind of fast.
Well I leave Monday morning and there is a pretty strong possibility that I can/will be calling home while we wait for our flight. So if you think that's a good idea, then it'll probably be between 8 and 9:30am this Monday. I'm really excited to get out there!
Anyways, usually I'll try to have a spiritual thought prepared, but today I'll just share my testimony:
I know the Gospel is true! I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord's church and that it is lead by a prophet of God: President Thomas S. Monson. These simple truths that are testified of so often are so incredibly significant! The Church is not a social organization, culture, or even lifestyle. It is the work of God! I know that blessings of the gospel and blessings of the Spirit are predicated by laws of God. There is no greater ambition than to feel, understand, and follow the Spirit! Gotta go! I love you all!"
"I love you all so very much!
Thank you for all of your wonderful and loving support!
Give Brittney a hug for me because, behind Mom, she is in the lead for most letters. I've already gotten two! Even Katie Marie has been drawing pictures for me :) I guess I'm the first missionary she'll be writing.
Anyways, thank you so much Dad for your letters of wisdom, love, and support. I really appreciate it.
Just to let you know I am on a time limit, so sometimes I have to go kind of fast.
Well I leave Monday morning and there is a pretty strong possibility that I can/will be calling home while we wait for our flight. So if you think that's a good idea, then it'll probably be between 8 and 9:30am this Monday. I'm really excited to get out there!
Anyways, usually I'll try to have a spiritual thought prepared, but today I'll just share my testimony:
I know the Gospel is true! I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord's church and that it is lead by a prophet of God: President Thomas S. Monson. These simple truths that are testified of so often are so incredibly significant! The Church is not a social organization, culture, or even lifestyle. It is the work of God! I know that blessings of the gospel and blessings of the Spirit are predicated by laws of God. There is no greater ambition than to feel, understand, and follow the Spirit! Gotta go! I love you all!"
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