Chapter 82: A Brother

"...he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together. And that which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness.That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day."Doctrine and Covenants 22:24 Probably would have to say this week has been one of the craziest weeks of my mission in terms of everything we've been trying to do, the changes occurring in the mission, and just alterations and growth bring made in my personal convictions and testimony. Personally and as a companionship, we have been tested and tried sorely this week; it's been quite overwhelming to have to deal with so much in preparation for moves and each with our own individual crosses to bear. At the end of it all, we still stand and stand even firmer in our commitments to do all we can, fulfilling our covenant with the Lord through whom we are justified. Over the course of this week, I feel as if I've come to understand in a greater degree this scripture here. As my good friend Elder Yorgason always says, "sometimes we are givers and sometimes we are receivers." Well, it's definitely true to say, and it is essential for myself that I understand it is okay for me to be a receiver sometimes. I think I've learned that sometimes, I can push a little too hard when it comes to being "he that preacheth" that it makes it difficult for those who receive, most of the time being those closest to me, to get much out of what I am trying to constantly give to the relationship. I've learned this in my companionship especially when sometimes we are not edified nor rejoice together; it can certainly be because of my over-tendency to take control. But, I have recognized this as darkness and have desired to replace such with light; this week something pretty incredible happened to help me with these efforts. While doing moves planning President made a decision that he wanted to bring in the next assistant immediately, meaning we would be in a quad. He made the decision that my previous companion, Elder Yorgason, would come and join us. I remember feeling a great sense of peace, not just because we are already good friends, but because of the incredible spiritual growth I experienced with him as companions. He has always been someone who has helped me receive light in the forms of good habits, righteous language, positive thinking, genuine joy and so much more. Since being with him again for even just a short time I have felt a great change because of his example to me in my desires to wax strong in the light of Jesus Christ. He does this at the same time with such meekness that he still desires to receive from me and we truly rejoice together. I feel so much joy and satisfaction in the work we are doing because of the way I am more connected to the Spirit. I look forward to good things to come and more and more light. If you feel like you are missing some light in your life, I can promise you that there are always good people to receive it from. Let those around you be an influence of you for good and receive of the light they so willingly shine. Then, in turn, share that light with others. Doing so will change your life and the relationships you have with others: joy will be your life. Life is good. God is wise. Don't give up. Elder Childers

Pictures with Brother Myles! President and Sister McCrudden hosted him for a dinner this week.

Baptism of the Osula family: an unforgettable experience

Pratt's Hill with the departing missionaries; laying on the grass with Elder Peavler

Me and Elder Peavler, going to miss him when he goes to Aberdeen

Elder Yorgason, Elder Delmonte and myself: the Airdrie Brothers

President and his Assistants

Pday at KFC