Dear Family and Friends,
This week was a good one, it started to warm up again, only to find out that another storm is coming in Tuesday or Wednesday, so we might be snowed in again. We were able to have some good teaching opportunities with our top investigators, who are getting very close to baptism. We had an awesome experience in Gospel essentials class.... I was teaching since our Ward Mission Leader was out of town, and I was using the analogy of a scale to explain agency, and this one less active member kept making off the wall questions, and asking unrelated questions, and was completely disruptive, and the less active mother of our 2 investogators, who has come to church 4 times in a row, was trying to help me take control of the lesson again, and was even quoting from True to the Faith. It was really neat to see how much she's really studying, and wants to have a testimony. As I was saying last week, I've been looking at Charity a lot lately, and here are my thoughts.... The attributes of the Natural Man can be found in Proverbs 6, these are the 7 things tools that the devil uses to destroy us, and if we look in Moroni at the attributes of Charity, they all contradict those 7 things, and more. Charity at it's core is pure love like the Savior, and being filled with that pure love is like being filled with a refiners fire, it purifies and sanctifies us, and helps us to become like the Savior. In the end, love really does conquer all, because by having Charity, we've climbed the ladder through Faith, Virtue, etc. and have become like the Savior. Through love, we are motivated to follow Christ, keep the commandments, Repent, and we will be prepared to meet the Savior when he comes. I know these things are true, and that we should all strive to be filled with the pure love of Christ. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
Snowed In
Dear Family and Friends,
This week was a nice one, we were snowed in for 2 days, and the ice is still here. Everyone has been freaking out, and some people left their houses for the first time in a week yesterday. I turned 21 of Saturday , and it was hilarious. Sister King called me, and she said "whoo, you're legal, but I don't know what for." Later as I was thinking, I realized that I'm now the legal Mormon Marrying Age. Not suggesting anything by that, just making a statement. Then one of the Sisters made me my favorite cake (German Chocolate), so it was pretty awesome. Then we found out that I'm not getting transferred, which will make my time in this area more than the rest of my areas combined. Apparently there is something I'm supposed to do, and for the life of me I can't figure out what. This week was also good, because we have 2 investigators (little kids) that are getting close to baptism, and they've been to church twice in a row now. And on top of that, the Falcons LOST, so maybe we can actually get people to church now....Other than that, it's been a fun week, trudging through the snow, it was just like home, except more icy, and no one knows how to drive. I even slipped off my bike and landed on my behind. But, it's been fun, and I got lots of mail on my brithday, so I was very excited. That's about all for this week, I'd just like to ask you to study charity this week, that's what i've been looking at a lot lately, and I want to see if anyone gets what I've gotten out of studying it. The gospel is true, the book is blue, and God's a Mormon, Have a great week, love you all.
Love,
Elder Craig Hughes
This week was a nice one, we were snowed in for 2 days, and the ice is still here. Everyone has been freaking out, and some people left their houses for the first time in a week yesterday. I turned 21 of Saturday , and it was hilarious. Sister King called me, and she said "whoo, you're legal, but I don't know what for." Later as I was thinking, I realized that I'm now the legal Mormon Marrying Age. Not suggesting anything by that, just making a statement. Then one of the Sisters made me my favorite cake (German Chocolate), so it was pretty awesome. Then we found out that I'm not getting transferred, which will make my time in this area more than the rest of my areas combined. Apparently there is something I'm supposed to do, and for the life of me I can't figure out what. This week was also good, because we have 2 investigators (little kids) that are getting close to baptism, and they've been to church twice in a row now. And on top of that, the Falcons LOST, so maybe we can actually get people to church now....Other than that, it's been a fun week, trudging through the snow, it was just like home, except more icy, and no one knows how to drive. I even slipped off my bike and landed on my behind. But, it's been fun, and I got lots of mail on my brithday, so I was very excited. That's about all for this week, I'd just like to ask you to study charity this week, that's what i've been looking at a lot lately, and I want to see if anyone gets what I've gotten out of studying it. The gospel is true, the book is blue, and God's a Mormon, Have a great week, love you all.
Love,
Elder Craig Hughes
Monday, January 10, 2011
Birthday Week
Dear Family and Friends,
This week has been a crazy one, and it has all led to this crazy storm, and for the second time in a month it has snowed here in Georgia, which is unheard of. The ward has been going crazy making sure we're taking care of, but they just seem to think we don't know anything about anything, but at least they love us enough to care. I'm celebrating the big 2 1 this week, and man do I feel old. But on the down up side it's a big milestone for me, and I can officially be an adult. We have interviews with President King this week, so I'm pretty excited for that, but also scared since it's my first one as a District Leader. I've been thinking a lot lately about the why's of life, and I've come up with some interesting thoughts that I'd like to share. Everything about life can be related back to a tree, or trees. As parents God gives us the charge of supporting his children with the root system we have built, making our foundation in the gospel direly important, because if it isn't strong enough, then our children could fade or die altogether, and that is the worst thing that could happen to one of God's children. Furthermore, I've thought about why children tend to rebel when they become teenagers....and I believe it is because those are the years where they change, their environment changes, and they become the full natural man exposed to the full evil the world has to offer, and thus far in our lives we never have to face anything to hard, but when we hit that stage Satan unleashes his forces, and we have a whole new battle on our hands. This illustrates an important principle though, as it shows us how much God loves us, and how the church supports the family basis. God gives us the greatest gift we have to protect us before it hits, in time to learn how to be protected, and he gives us power against evil, which also has the power of the ministering of angels to protect us, and the church's goal for every young man to serve a mission, which requires careful preparation to lead us through the darkest of times, and when we finish, we've become a solid trunk ready for the road ahead, and able overcome anything we may face. Our Father in Heaven truly does love us, and he will help us as we rely on him. He has given us everything we need to succeed in mortality, of this I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love,
Elder Hughes
This week has been a crazy one, and it has all led to this crazy storm, and for the second time in a month it has snowed here in Georgia, which is unheard of. The ward has been going crazy making sure we're taking care of, but they just seem to think we don't know anything about anything, but at least they love us enough to care. I'm celebrating the big 2 1 this week, and man do I feel old. But on the down up side it's a big milestone for me, and I can officially be an adult. We have interviews with President King this week, so I'm pretty excited for that, but also scared since it's my first one as a District Leader. I've been thinking a lot lately about the why's of life, and I've come up with some interesting thoughts that I'd like to share. Everything about life can be related back to a tree, or trees. As parents God gives us the charge of supporting his children with the root system we have built, making our foundation in the gospel direly important, because if it isn't strong enough, then our children could fade or die altogether, and that is the worst thing that could happen to one of God's children. Furthermore, I've thought about why children tend to rebel when they become teenagers....and I believe it is because those are the years where they change, their environment changes, and they become the full natural man exposed to the full evil the world has to offer, and thus far in our lives we never have to face anything to hard, but when we hit that stage Satan unleashes his forces, and we have a whole new battle on our hands. This illustrates an important principle though, as it shows us how much God loves us, and how the church supports the family basis. God gives us the greatest gift we have to protect us before it hits, in time to learn how to be protected, and he gives us power against evil, which also has the power of the ministering of angels to protect us, and the church's goal for every young man to serve a mission, which requires careful preparation to lead us through the darkest of times, and when we finish, we've become a solid trunk ready for the road ahead, and able overcome anything we may face. Our Father in Heaven truly does love us, and he will help us as we rely on him. He has given us everything we need to succeed in mortality, of this I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love,
Elder Hughes
Monday, January 3, 2011
Happy New Years
Dear Family and Friends,
This week was a slow one, everyone in the area was partying, and no one wanted to talk. We did however have a couple cool things happen. We had an less active member that we've been working with come to church for the first time in 6 months, and hopefully with the new church schedule she'll come regularly. We also had a member bring a friend to church that we are going to start teaching, so that was way exciting, and should be fun. We had a great testimony meeting, I got to bear my testimony, and it just felt so good to do it, and as I looked out over the audience, there were people crying all over the place, it was funny, but really cool to see the Spirit in action. I've made my new years resolution to do my best to have the Spirit with me more, and to listen to it more carefully. The reason I chose this is for two reasons, one because that's how the Lord guides us and I know that I need that guidance especially now, and if we have the Spirit with us, then we are justified (Moses 6:59). Which means that we are forgiven of our sins, or pure, and by that we can know that we are on the right path in life. I hope we all have taken the chance to make goals like this, because goals are important in our life, without them we aren't working towards somemthing, they give us direction and purpose. But, if you do make a goal please be sure to write it down, and remember it so that you can work towards achieving it. I love you all, and I want to you know that I know this gospel is true, that Heavenly Father Knows, and Loves us all, that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer, and that God answers prayers. I testify to you that by studying the Doctrines of the Gospel, we can change our hearts, and become born-again to be able to put of the natural man, and become true Saints Enduring to the End, when all the Saints shall dwell with God. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
This week was a slow one, everyone in the area was partying, and no one wanted to talk. We did however have a couple cool things happen. We had an less active member that we've been working with come to church for the first time in 6 months, and hopefully with the new church schedule she'll come regularly. We also had a member bring a friend to church that we are going to start teaching, so that was way exciting, and should be fun. We had a great testimony meeting, I got to bear my testimony, and it just felt so good to do it, and as I looked out over the audience, there were people crying all over the place, it was funny, but really cool to see the Spirit in action. I've made my new years resolution to do my best to have the Spirit with me more, and to listen to it more carefully. The reason I chose this is for two reasons, one because that's how the Lord guides us and I know that I need that guidance especially now, and if we have the Spirit with us, then we are justified (Moses 6:59). Which means that we are forgiven of our sins, or pure, and by that we can know that we are on the right path in life. I hope we all have taken the chance to make goals like this, because goals are important in our life, without them we aren't working towards somemthing, they give us direction and purpose. But, if you do make a goal please be sure to write it down, and remember it so that you can work towards achieving it. I love you all, and I want to you know that I know this gospel is true, that Heavenly Father Knows, and Loves us all, that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer, and that God answers prayers. I testify to you that by studying the Doctrines of the Gospel, we can change our hearts, and become born-again to be able to put of the natural man, and become true Saints Enduring to the End, when all the Saints shall dwell with God. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Happy Holidays from Georgia
Dear Family and Friends,
This week has been an enjoyable one, in the Spirit of Christmas President King asked us to focus on serving people, to emulate the love of Christ in others lives, and as we tried to do so, it made the season a lot more special. At the Mission Christmas party that we had Tuesday, we talked a lot about traditions, and their importance, and it really got me thinking about how important traditions are in the foundations of families. They are the basis that we can use to invite the Spirit into our homes, and teach our children important gospel principles in ways that will help them learn more powerfully than just rambling on. They say that actions speak louder than words, and that is definitely true in the case of being an example of the believers. They say that the most important duty we have in this life, is to raise a family in righteousness, and no success can compensate for failure in the home. I would like to add my testimony to that truth, the righteous traditions that we establish our families on will be the foundations of gospel learning for generations to come. I've done a lot of reflecting this week, and as Iv'e done so, I've really become frustrated by the lack of care that seems to run rampant in the hearts of the children of men. Too many of us in this world are so caught up in this world, and the pursuit of joys that come from it, that we neglect of forget to search out the truly important things. If this pattern continues, the world truly will dwindle in unbelief, and God's Plan that he created for all mankind will be a failure. I truly cannot understand why someone would not be willing to obtain the blessings available from the gospel, simpoly because it sounds like a lot of work, or might require me to do something that I don't like. I never in my life wanted to serve a mission, because I was/am terrified of what I do every day, but to think of all the experiences that I've had since I've come, I cannot believe that anyone would not want to do this. I know we all have weaknesses, God GAVE them to us on purpose, and he promises that if we turn to him he will make our weaknesses strenghts. We have so many gifts given to us for our benefit and learning, so that we can reach Exaltation, and I think it's about time we give back to God. In the words of President Uchtdorf, we need to get back the basics, realign our desires, and get ourselves on the straight and narrow path to Eternal Life. May I remind you that anything short of reaching Eternal Life is failure to live the Gospel. The greatest gift we can give God is to Love him, and if we Love him, we will obey him, it becomes so natural. I ask you, Why can you not Love God with all you heart, mind, and soul? I testify that if you do this, he will lead you to Eternal Life. It wont be a burden, it will be a blessing. In the words of Christ, "Whosever will not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me." So lets try a little harder to take up that cross, and lets reach a little deeper to Love the Lord, because I Love you, and he Loves you, and he wants you to come back, but Justice cannot overpower mercy, we must obey. I hope we all can strive together to work towards exaltation, know that I pray for you, I love you, I miss you, and I hope you're all doing well.
Love
Elder Hughes
This week has been an enjoyable one, in the Spirit of Christmas President King asked us to focus on serving people, to emulate the love of Christ in others lives, and as we tried to do so, it made the season a lot more special. At the Mission Christmas party that we had Tuesday, we talked a lot about traditions, and their importance, and it really got me thinking about how important traditions are in the foundations of families. They are the basis that we can use to invite the Spirit into our homes, and teach our children important gospel principles in ways that will help them learn more powerfully than just rambling on. They say that actions speak louder than words, and that is definitely true in the case of being an example of the believers. They say that the most important duty we have in this life, is to raise a family in righteousness, and no success can compensate for failure in the home. I would like to add my testimony to that truth, the righteous traditions that we establish our families on will be the foundations of gospel learning for generations to come. I've done a lot of reflecting this week, and as Iv'e done so, I've really become frustrated by the lack of care that seems to run rampant in the hearts of the children of men. Too many of us in this world are so caught up in this world, and the pursuit of joys that come from it, that we neglect of forget to search out the truly important things. If this pattern continues, the world truly will dwindle in unbelief, and God's Plan that he created for all mankind will be a failure. I truly cannot understand why someone would not be willing to obtain the blessings available from the gospel, simpoly because it sounds like a lot of work, or might require me to do something that I don't like. I never in my life wanted to serve a mission, because I was/am terrified of what I do every day, but to think of all the experiences that I've had since I've come, I cannot believe that anyone would not want to do this. I know we all have weaknesses, God GAVE them to us on purpose, and he promises that if we turn to him he will make our weaknesses strenghts. We have so many gifts given to us for our benefit and learning, so that we can reach Exaltation, and I think it's about time we give back to God. In the words of President Uchtdorf, we need to get back the basics, realign our desires, and get ourselves on the straight and narrow path to Eternal Life. May I remind you that anything short of reaching Eternal Life is failure to live the Gospel. The greatest gift we can give God is to Love him, and if we Love him, we will obey him, it becomes so natural. I ask you, Why can you not Love God with all you heart, mind, and soul? I testify that if you do this, he will lead you to Eternal Life. It wont be a burden, it will be a blessing. In the words of Christ, "Whosever will not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me." So lets try a little harder to take up that cross, and lets reach a little deeper to Love the Lord, because I Love you, and he Loves you, and he wants you to come back, but Justice cannot overpower mercy, we must obey. I hope we all can strive together to work towards exaltation, know that I pray for you, I love you, I miss you, and I hope you're all doing well.
Love
Elder Hughes
Monday, December 20, 2010
Monday Mail
Dear Family and Friends,
Man this was an interesting week, Tuesday night I went and spent the night with the Zone Leaders down in Sandy Plains, because we had to go to another meeting in Lilburn Wednesday, and it was fun, but the couch I slept on was like a rock, and I didn't sleep much. The meeting was cool, and President taught us some cool stuff, and helped me understand what I can do to help the District I'm in charge of more. I also had the opportunity to ask him for a blessing, because I'd felt like I needed to, and it was such a cool experience, just thinking about it makes my eyes water. The Spirit was so powerful, I just felt so loved, and confident, and glad to be where I am that it made me cry, and President gave me a very powerful blessing that had helped me a lot. Then, we had to head home, and that's where things got hairy.... On the way home, we took the freeway route, which ended up being a very bad idea. The temperature dropped below freezing, and there was a light mist of rain falling, and very soon the traffic came to a screeching halt. We got on another freeway, and very soon the same thing happened, and 2 of the other missionaries in the car started making fun of the cars on the other side of the road, because they were driving 25 miles per hour of less, in no traffic at all, but they quit laughing when they saw the first suv sideways in the middle of the freeway.... Needless to say, the roads iced over very quickly, and getting home became quite a chore. Luckily we made it without harm or accident, but the hour long trip ended up taking 5 and a half, and to top it all off I had to use the bathroom the whole time. Anyways, the rest of the week was uneventful, just working with the members and teaching away. Our main investigator is getting much closer to baptism, but unfortunately I think he's going to be leaving before it happens, but oh well, onward and upward. I'm really starting to think this ward wants to get rid of me, on account of all the comments being made recently about how long I've been here, so I don't what that means, but oh well, I can't control that. Anyways, I'm so grateful for this awesome time of the year, and for all those of you who've sent cards of gifts, I extend my sincerest thanks, you're help is so much appreciated. I would like to bear you my witness of the reality of the Priesthood, it is absolutely real, and it absolutely contains the power to strengthen, and uplift us in our life, and help us accompish the Lord's will. I know that our Savior lives, that his life and example are the key to returning to the presence of our Father, and that his Atonement makes it all possible, I testify that this gospel is true, that God knows and loves his children, and that he wants to and will help us as we ask in Faith. I love you all, and leave this with you in the name of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ Amen.
Elder Hughes
Man this was an interesting week, Tuesday night I went and spent the night with the Zone Leaders down in Sandy Plains, because we had to go to another meeting in Lilburn Wednesday, and it was fun, but the couch I slept on was like a rock, and I didn't sleep much. The meeting was cool, and President taught us some cool stuff, and helped me understand what I can do to help the District I'm in charge of more. I also had the opportunity to ask him for a blessing, because I'd felt like I needed to, and it was such a cool experience, just thinking about it makes my eyes water. The Spirit was so powerful, I just felt so loved, and confident, and glad to be where I am that it made me cry, and President gave me a very powerful blessing that had helped me a lot. Then, we had to head home, and that's where things got hairy.... On the way home, we took the freeway route, which ended up being a very bad idea. The temperature dropped below freezing, and there was a light mist of rain falling, and very soon the traffic came to a screeching halt. We got on another freeway, and very soon the same thing happened, and 2 of the other missionaries in the car started making fun of the cars on the other side of the road, because they were driving 25 miles per hour of less, in no traffic at all, but they quit laughing when they saw the first suv sideways in the middle of the freeway.... Needless to say, the roads iced over very quickly, and getting home became quite a chore. Luckily we made it without harm or accident, but the hour long trip ended up taking 5 and a half, and to top it all off I had to use the bathroom the whole time. Anyways, the rest of the week was uneventful, just working with the members and teaching away. Our main investigator is getting much closer to baptism, but unfortunately I think he's going to be leaving before it happens, but oh well, onward and upward. I'm really starting to think this ward wants to get rid of me, on account of all the comments being made recently about how long I've been here, so I don't what that means, but oh well, I can't control that. Anyways, I'm so grateful for this awesome time of the year, and for all those of you who've sent cards of gifts, I extend my sincerest thanks, you're help is so much appreciated. I would like to bear you my witness of the reality of the Priesthood, it is absolutely real, and it absolutely contains the power to strengthen, and uplift us in our life, and help us accompish the Lord's will. I know that our Savior lives, that his life and example are the key to returning to the presence of our Father, and that his Atonement makes it all possible, I testify that this gospel is true, that God knows and loves his children, and that he wants to and will help us as we ask in Faith. I love you all, and leave this with you in the name of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ Amen.
Elder Hughes
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Getting Ready for Christmas
For Family Home evening this week Craig and his companion went to help a nice family put up a Christmas tree and make sugar cookies. They were nice enough to send me an email and share some pictures with me. (I'm sure the missionaries had NO problem eating those homemade cookies)
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