Jan. 30, 2017

We had a live broadcast with apostles this past week : Dallin h Oaks. Neil L Anderson, and David A Bednar. And it was AWESOME. We learned a lot a lot. They changed some of the rules (we have two extra hours to do what we need on PDay!!!) As well as some of the Key Indicators if any of you know what that is. So that was awesome.

Jenifer is still smoking and she didn’t make it to church, which has been kind of a real bummer. :/ But she is on date for the 8th of February, so here’s hoping! Also, her husband, Jacob is a returning less active to the church (he was baptized when he was younger) and he wants to receive the priesthood. Way cool!

The highlights of this past week have been knocking with a priest preparing to go on a mission, getting bit by a dog, and having an awesome lesson with a recent convert named Brother Guscene, who has recently been ordained a priest. And by far of these three  the last one was the most meaninful to me experience wise. Here’s why.

When I learned about the priesthood and what it means to be an Elder, I had no idea that I would actually be teaching what it meant in just a few months time. I had no idea that I would be able to tell someone who was soon to recieve the melchezidek priesthood and had just recently been ordained a priest, all about it, and then to realize that all of the words that were coming out of my mouth, he was taking as church doctrine. It was an incredible experience to teach him about the sacred powers of God that govern this universe, a power that is so incredible and indescribable, and to realize that he had never had anyone else to really teach him what this was before. It was truly a very humbling experience for me. And it was especially humbling to me because the man I was teaching was over fifty years old. What an incredible and sacred experience I was able to give this week one that I confidently can say that I never shall forget so long as I live. I hope all of us priesthood bearers of God can live worthy of such a sacred trust we have been given, because it is indeed one of the singlemost reasons I fight so hard to stay worthy every day of my life. What an amazing experience this has been for me. And I ever be so so grateful that I decided to enlist for these two years to serve a mission for my master and my king. What a truly incredible experience it has been for me to be able to say, not that I will be as the army of Helaman, but that I am now part of the army of Helaman. And the lesson that I have learned here are priceless. And I know that I will never forget them. How truly grateful I am to be a Son, a Brother, And a Father, a Person with divine potential. Who knows not only where he is going in his life, but what he wants to do, and that day by day i am learning what I want to become, and the steps that I want to take to get there. And it is all because I have chosen to serve a mission. And to consecrate those two years to Him. I know that God is real. And that He loves me. And that I am proving to myself here and now that I will not forsake Him for the rest of my life. I will serve Him evermore! I know He lives. And I will follow faithfully. And what a blessing that is to me!

So please. If you ever feel lost in this life, and if you are ever in the position to do so, do whatever it takes to serve a mission. Because the lessons you will learn out here will change you for the rest of your life. For once you do choose to faithfully serve, the blessings will be poured out upon you head without measure. And you will discover things you had never thought possible, things you had never dreamed of. If you can but stay faithful and true. I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again -- the lessons I’ve learned out here are priceless, and I wouldn’t trade them for the world.

Inspirational thought this week.

In the words of my favorite ever Hymn:

1. Dearest children, God is near you,

Watching o'er you day and night,

And delights to own and bless you,

If you strive to do what's right.

He will bless you, He will bless you,

If you put your trust in him.

2. Dearest children, holy angels

Watch your actions night and day,

And they keep a faithful record

Of the good and bad you say.

Cherish virtue! Cherish virtue!

God will bless the pure in heart.

3. Children, God delights to teach you

By his Holy Spirit's voice.

Quickly heed its holy promptings.

Day by day you'll then rejoice.

Oh, prove faithful, Oh, prove faithful

To your God and Zion's cause.

May you all have a safe and blessed week. I love you all. I pray for you. And I wish you the very best!

Love,

Elder Hakala