A New Start

Hello Everyone,

This week has been really strange realizing it is an entirely new year and having to write 2018 on everything instead of 2017. I talked to the dietitian this week and wow is going on a diet different. I know I can count myself along with the other half of America that made losing weight their new years resolution.

Something I have been thinking about this week is having a new start. It is kind of like having a baptism - you just have a new start and you know that even though you will make mistakes along the way, those mistakes don't have to stop you from achieving your goal.

I want you all to know that I know that it is through the Atonement of Jesus Christ that we have the opportunity to have a new start. Thanks to the Atonement we are able to repent and be forgiven of the things that we have done. I know that The Book of Mormon was written by prophets of God, and that it was translated by Joseph Smith. I know that Jesus Christ loves each and every one of us, and that He wants us to succeed just like our Heavenly Father does. I know that the principles taught from the revelations of our prophets and from the scriptures are from God. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Sunday 12/31/2017

Today at church we sang a lot of songs, so there was like only one talk given. We were able to go to the Sunday Night Devotional tonight. Brad Wilcox and Lexi walker were the ones that came. Lexi walker did musical numbers in between Brad's short stories and lessons. He said something that was really interesting to me. Brother Wilcox pointed out that, "they say that people winning Olympic medals and academy awards are the ones changing the world, yet we know hardly any of their names. But I bet everyone here can name a missionary that has had an impact on their life." I thought that was really cool. I too could think of missionaries that have set an example for me.

Monday 01/01/2018

I went on an exchange with Elder Withers today and it was fantastic. We taught lessons with Tammy and Sue who is one of his investigators.

Tuesday 01/02/2018

I had a seizure last night. Elder Stewart didn't know what to do, but luckily Elder Meldrum was with us, because he is companions with Elder Buckway and Elder Southwick, but there is not another available bed in their room. So until Elder Buckway leaves he will be rooming with us.

Sister Oscarson came and spoke at the Tuesday Night Devotional. One thing she told us was, "One of the most important things you can learn on your mission is learning to love your companions." That was much needed because it is not always easy loving your companion but somehow someway it is possible to be complete opposites and work together in unity. I think a big part of that is love.

Wednesday 01/03/2018

I went to the therapist again today and they said that I am doing a lot better. I also talked with Doctor Brown about the seizure and he thinks it would be a good idea to go back to the neurologist, So we are trying to work that out.

We talked with a new investigator named Joaquin who lives here in Utah. He is doing super awesome. He has talked with missionaries before but he told us that it wasn't until now that he has really understood the importance of repentance and how it can bless lives. We even set a baptismal date for February 3rd. Joaquin told us that it will be hard but he is willing to work toward it.

Thursday 01/04/2018

We talked with someone named Julian. It was an interesting talk. We talked a lot about the importance of families in the gospel, which I think was good. However Julian has a unique view on the family just through experience. But we will do our best to let the spirit guide and testify to the truths of the gospel.

Friday 01/05/2018

We talked with Alison today. She is an old investigator of Elder Zaugg's so we were able to have Elder Zaugg as a member present. I think it went really good. Elder Zaugg actually came to the M.T.C so we got to see him and meet his family and they were all super nice. Elder Buckway left today but not until 10:00 am so everyone was able to say their goodbyes to him.

I hope you all have a great rest of your week. Until next time.

Love,

Elder Stevenson