Thursday, November 23, 2017

Sept. 3, 2016- week 1 in MTC

 Dear Family,

Some things from this week:

We finished up with teaching our first set of lessons with our first investigator, and we committed him to baptism, and to reading the Book of Mormon. And the number one thing that I have learned so far from being at the mtc is three things actaully. Haha I guess I cant count:

1 Have Faith, not Fear.
2 follow the promptings of the spirit always no matter how senseless or small they may seem
3 dont be afraid to open your mouth, and don't be afraid to act.



Missions are amazing . they bring more blessings than I ever expected. Being a servant in the Lord's vineyard is beyond incredible. To have the spirit with me nearly 24/7 is an unspeakable experience, and i have never been happier.
Te gift of tongues is real. And the love here at the MTC that I feel for others is something that to this degree I have as yet very rarely experienced. I love my companion. I dearly love my district. And above all, I love those that are struggling. Because it means they are honestly trying and seeking the truth. And I cant help but desire to share my love for them. I have never felt more anxious a need to give my all to my God in the service of others. And it's truly amazing.

Also, I have a list that I want everyone who reads this to look up. I promise these verses will bless your life and uplift you and be an inspiration to you if you study and ponder these scriptures seriously. Try it. (That means you, random citizen!!)

 John 4:18
1 Peter 2
D and C: 135 :3
Alma 32: Faith like a seed
Mark 9
1 samuel 17;33
alma 26
peace, love, or joy, in the topical guide


One thing I learned from this week is that the spirit = true happiness.
And being happy is a temporary state of mind. Not something you can expect to stay in constantly in this life. The real thing we should be searching for is not to be hpapy every moment of every day, although it is good to have a positive attitude. rather, it is more to learn to trust in the Lord every moment of every day, and then everything else will come, and it will all fall into place. Generally speaking, I think that general authorities and missionaries are some of the happiest people I have ever met. they have a true glow about them. What does that say about this message that I'm trying to get across? Trust in God with everything no matter what it is doing it with your whole heart and soul, giving 100 percent rather than 60 50 or even 99. Thats what God expects of us and our will is really the only lasting gift we can give to him in return. It is scary. It is incredibly hard. and it requires living by faith. But i testify that as we forget ourselves and lose our lives for the sake of the Lords we will find it. And in so doing, you will find more happiness, true happiness, and peace, and joy,  than you could ever otherwise experience. but that is not why we do it. We do it because we are to love the lord with all our might mind and strength, and we do it just for the same purpose and reason that the Savior did it. He did it to serve. and if we want to know what it truly truly is like to be happy, then what we must do is learn to turn to the Lord. Completely. Entirely. Unyieldingly. And the Lord will make up the difference. I so testify that to all of you. Tomorrow, if we can only be willing, the Lord will do wonders among us.

Second thing: Heavenly Father doesn't just want us to be happy temporarily. He wants it for us constantly. I learned more about this last Sunday on how to be truly happy is to study the Character of Christ. I watched an mtc devotional on christmas by Elder David A Bednar, and I'm not kidding when I say that not only has it changed my life, but it is hands down one of the most incredible talks I have ever heard in my entire life. I have since printed it out, and am following the instructions that we as missionaries have been giving from a disciple of Jesus Christ. When you get the chance, please look it up on lds.org and watch it. It will make you rethink what you thought you know about the gospel, and puts everything in a much deeper sense.

It talks about the mission of Christ. And what was the underlying reason for how he did what he did, the reason the atonement was possible, and how he was able to do what it was that He was commanded to do. This talk has made me recommit yet again that I will be an even better disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. Please please please look up this talk. It is so amazing, something that I cant even find the words to express. It has helped me to better know who I am and where I fit into the plan. And you will better know too, if you are spiritually prepared. So listen to the talk, and then act on the promptings you recieve. It is so amazing. #mindblown #thechurchistrue #yes

Hey mom. Thanks so much for the watch. It's awesome. I compared the watchfaces and I could see that you tried very hard to get me somethings that I would like. i was really touched by the time you clearly took to make sure it was something I would wear. Thank you thank you thank you. I love it. I'm praying for you. And I miss you like crazy. You're awesome. Keep working hard, and I'll try to do the same.


Heres my haiku of the week for y'all:


through tempest of black
I fight ev'ry chill. yet He
Never will fail me

I love you all! P.S. I wouldn't say no to some handwritten letters!!

Sincerely,

Elder Hakala

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