Happy Barfday!

Well, this has been a week for the books. We weren't able to accomplish a whole lot this week because we and the Zone Leaders have all been sick on and off since Wednesday. It's been the absolute best. We have got a lot of studying done, as well as did quite a few splits which were enjoyable, but of course, it was me who got hit worst with it all. On Wednesday the Zone Leaders had a baptism, and so we were all just trying to rest up so we'd have the strength to make it. When we got there we were all at our worst, just trying to hold ourselves together, not to mention the fact that Lupita ended up being forty-five minutes late. In the end, it all worked out and it was a great baptismal service to be at. Elder Berry, Elder Clayton, and I taught the Restoration to everyone that was there which was very powerful. I've personally found that as I teach the Restoration, especially talk about the First Vision, I feel the Spirit more than anything else. Many times this week I've nearly been brought to tears as I do so, and it truly has helped to steady me and my testimony. 

Growth

I've had a good week of growth, that's for sure, most of which came with exchanges on Wednesday. I was with Elder Ortiz in my area, so I was fully in charge of plans for the day and whatnot which was pretty much a first. Though we didn't end up having much go according to plan, I truly felt more accountable for what we did, and therefore put forth my best efforts. Talking to everyone went really well, especially because I sometimes feel I'm not always doing my part. The Lord truly answered my prayers for am increase of confidence, and I can attest to the power and possibilities that arise through consecration to and trust in the Lord. Later in the week we were waiting to go to dinner and contacted a man named Richard Scott. We didn't have time to talk much, so we asked if we could come back after our dinner, and he agreed. As we were over, he told us all about the trials, pains, addictions, and other things he is dealing with. I don't know if I've met a man in worse shape. We first taught him of the love of Jesus Christ and His Atonement and agreed to help him to overcome his challenges. It's powerful to see the difference you can make in someone's life, as well as recognize what a blessing it is to have your life centered around Jesus Christ. We had another good lesson with Marisol and the Stephensons on Saturday, and boy is it crazy to see someone's entire attitude on life change in a matter of a couple weeks. She made it to church too! I was lucky enough to go to two Easter services and then got fed a wonderful dinner. I've been focusing a lot this week on obtaining spiritual witnesses of truth. It's truly important to have a personal testimony of the Savior and his teachings, rather than just relying on others. Though I do have a testimony, I've felt it necessary to improve and seek continued understanding. I would suggest doing the same in your own life; take what you know, and pray to know the truth starting with the simplest of things. I have started with asking Heavenly Father if He truly is there, and I'll ask for each thing until I receive a witness either during my day or during my prayer. I truly know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ live.

Elder Shepherd

Don't Worry, My Ankle is Okay!

This was a great week! After General Conference and the excitement of a new transfer, everything is starting to come together. There was nothing too crazy at the beginning of the week, but this Saturday was crazy! We had our lesson with Marisol, the mother with two kids and a very rough past. We brought a young couple named the Stephensons with us, and they were amazing. As she slowly opened up, Marisol began to cry and just let everything out. We got to our simple message of the life of Jesus Christ and His Atonement, I shared a scripture in Spanish to her, Alma 36:21. After reading I looked up and the spirit just continued to build. Elder Berry then read her a letter that his mom had written to Marisol. As he read, Marisol's countenance slowly began to build, and she absolutely loved it. A story his mom shared exactly matched an experience Marisol had had. I have had few experiences in my life where the spirit is burning up the room that I'm in, but this was one of those times. She came to church the next day and loved it. After that great experience, we had a dinner with a nonmember family we had met and offered to help with their Eagle project. Before dinner, we knocked around their neighborhood a little bit, and I got the worst door retaliation I'd ever had. After we knocked, I saw someone check through the blinds before banging on the door for a solid five seconds. As we walked away I heard him banging on the window, making a specific hand sign at us through the blinds. It's incredibly difficult for me to understand why people are so aggressive, and it truly makes me feel for them and want to do whatever I can to improve their situation by any means. Opposition is real. Then we had our dinner, which was really sweet. Apparently, it's a pretty rare experience to eat with people who aren't members of the church, but I definitely enjoyed it. Sunday we had Don Smith, the preacher/doctorate in theology man we're teaching, at church with us. He's an incredibly happy man and truly enjoyed our Elder quorum meeting which was awesome. My simple studies this week have been very spirit filled as I read my scriptures. It's as simple as that sometimes. Just read with a starting and ending prayer each day as possible, and the simple moments will come. Though, as great weeks always do, I had a really tough moment. Spanish has been really tough for me, and as I sat down with Elder Clayton to study, he just asked how I was doing and I broke down. Crying can be good, that's for sure, but I didn't even realize that I'd been so frustrated with myself lately. Luckily, after that long time to rededicate myself to improving myself, I went out and had long conversations with about ten Spanish people. Something I've truly learned is that sometimes the Lord blesses us with the things we want with opportunities to excessive those gifts, then it's our job to step up and act. If there's one thing I love now, it's studying the scriptures. I find so much joy in doing so even if it's just simple little things. 

A couple of talks I heard and really liked this week are as follows:

1. Why 1820?

2. 17 Points of the True Church

"By small and simple things are great things brought to pass" Alma 37:6

This must be true, especially if the Lord trusts me in any way, so if you're feeling down or dont feel that you measure up, realize that you are perfect for the Lord to work through.

Elder Shepherd

From Last Week - Thoughts On General Conference

General Conference was a great blessing to hear some incredible talks and speakers, but back to my week... 

New haircut? And does he have a double chin?

I'd been getting pretty frustrated with not being able to use my Spanish in lessons and had prayed for an opportunity to teach a lesson, and the following day, Tuesday, I was able to teach my first Spanish lesson! Unfortunately, it wasn't so good, but it can only get better I guess. Other than that, Elder Berry and I did a lot of finding, walking, and contacting. Earlier in the week we were just out contacting on the street, and we walked up to a young guy. We asked to show him the "He Lives" video, and he agreed. By the end of the video, he was in tears, and told us that is was no coincidence that we had ran into him. He readily embraced our message and said we could come by his home anytime. It was the greatest miracle I'd seen in that type of finding. We also met a woman who had been through a temple open house and said that she had tears in her eyes as she walked through the temple, which was really cool to hear. 

Elder Clayton and I went on exchanges again earlier in the week, and after a brief lesson, we walked for three hours to our next appointment. The day before I'd walked two as well, so lots of walking this week! Unfortunately, on Friday morning before our district council, we played basketball aaaaannnddd.... I wrecked my ankle pretty bad. I got pretty dizzy and couldn't see straight for a long while. Luckily, I was able to get that puppy raised up and iced it while at the church. It swelled up a whole lot, but I powered through and took the pain so it's pretty much back to normal except for some minor bruising. As long as you put the effort in, and not let obstacles stop you, the Lord will definitely bless your life. The work can be slow but we see miracles every week. 

 The sun is finally peeking out, the blossoms are blooming, and everyone's attitudes are brightening... even mine! Listening to prophets and apostles of the Lord was such a blessing this weekend, so don't overlook that wonderful opportunity we had. As the prophet said "Time is running out," so now is the time to grow continually closer to the Savior and to help others to do the same. Until next week,

Elder Shepherd

He Lives

Surprise, surprise! It's me again.

Unfortunately, in terms of stories or progress, there hasn't been a whole lot this week. All of our lessons fell through, and so we spent 90% of our time tracting and finding and all that good stuff. I went on an exchange with Elder Coley again which was really enjoyable, though we didn't have any lessons there either. We did get to meet a sweet golden retriever puppy and I tried to pet a cow. Oh! I also helped a lady named Balinda pick up sticks in her yard, and she later told Elder Coley and me about how a coyote ate 15 of her 17 chickens. The next day I went to meet someone Elder Berry and Elder Ortiz found on exchanges, and his name is Keith Ware. What an interesting fellow. Apparently, he believes John Lennon is going to usher in the Savior prior to His second coming, singing "Here comes the sun." Another random guy we knocked into came out and gave us 20 bucks for being good people, so that was sweet. 

Other than those few laughs, it's been a pretty regular week. I had an interview with President Love though, and that was really incredible. His ability to show love and care to you individually is really beneficial. I'm starting to recognize my flaws, which is great so I can start to work through them. 

The best moment of the week was likely showing a new video titled "He Lives" on doorsteps. One specific time we were showing this video about the Saviors reality, and I just teared up right there at some random person's door. He truly does live. He is aware of us. He is with us at all times, "He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes, we are healed."

Elder Shepherd

P.S. I'm closing in on 160

He Lives - Celebrate Easter Because Jesus Christ Lives
https://media2.ldscdn.org/assets/missionary/easter-2015/2015-04-1010-he-lives-celebrate-easter-because-jesus-christ-lives-360p-eng.mp4