Homeward Bound

Hello everyone,

This is really hard for me to write, but I will be coming home on Tuesday. My anxiety has been getting steadily worse over the last three months and now it's getting to the point that I'm having a difficult time functioning. I thought about it and prayed about it and worried about my decision, but I now know this is the right decision. I need to come home to heal.

I've had such a wonderful experience here, this has been the three best months of my life. I will miss this immensely, but I'm looking forward to the experiences that are ahead of me. I gave my all, I have no regrets and I know the Lord is pleased with my efforts and my service. I know He loves me and it is because He loves me I need to come home. The Lord only gives you challenges you can handle, and if they come to the point where you can't handle them, He pulls you away from them, to give you a chance to recover. My battle with anxiety is far from over, but I know that the Lord is with me and with His strength I know I can do anything.

I guess the only thing left for me to say is I know that this church is true. I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet and the Book of Mormon is a true book that changes lives. The Book of Mormon challenge has changed me in ways I do not yet understand completely. I know that that Jesus Christ lived a perfect life and showed us the way to salvation and then suffered and died so we can get there. I know he felt every pain, every sickness, every sin, every thorn we may have in our side. He is the only one that truly understands how we feel because He felt it Himself and if we turn to Him and trust Him, the power of his atonement will work in our lives to cleanse us and sanctify us and make us the people we want to be. I know my Savior loves me and that He loves every single one of us and if we ask, we will receive. I loved serving as a missionary, and I can't wait for what is in store for me now. Because the Lord has a plan for me and if I trust Him, it will unfold as it should for my good. I know that for me and for everyone else.

Thank you everyone for the letters, emails, prayers and encouragement you all gave me while I was here and I can't wait to see you all when I return home. See you soon.   

-- 

Elder Christensen

For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

        - 2 Timothy 4:6-8

Cherry Pie Adventure

Hello everyone!

This week was actually my companion's year mark and there was a celebration for him and the rest of his group last Saturday. So, having just received my Mom's cherry pie recipe, I decided to make it for the party. It started out just fine, I mixed the filling together and put it in the pan and put the top crust on with no problem whatsoever. So, I joyfully put the pie in the oven and thought how great that pie was going to be when it was done. I went to read my scriptures and my companion started making pancakes for breakfast. A little while later he tells me there's smoke coming out of the oven. While the pie was baking away, filling was leaking out and dripping onto to bottom of the oven where it started to smolder and smoke. Luckily, it didn't catch fire. It was then I remembered that when my mom made that pie she put a pan underneath the pie to catch drippings. Oops. So, as the pie baked, the smoke got thicker and thicker until it started filling the apartment, I'm amazed the smoke alarm didn't go off, probably because we had the sliding door open and the fan on the air conditioner on. Eventually the filling solidified to the point it stopped dripping and the stuff on the bottom turned into charcoal and the smoke stopped. So, that crisis was adverted. I took the pie out of the oven and it was amazing! It looked great and smelled great and when I took it to the party everyone who tried it liked it and were very impressed that I had made it.

I was thinking about this experience and I realized that sometimes trials can be like that. In the moment, it can seem like everything has gone wrong, there is smoke billowing out of the oven, so to speak, and there seems to be no possibility that it will ever work out. But after the trial is over and the smoke clears everything turns out fine, amazing even. And you think, "Wow, that wasn't so bad, that turned out just fine despite what it seemed." That pie was one of the best I had ever had because I had made it myself and because of the difficulty that came with making it. And I have experienced that the experiences I've gained from my trials are sweeter because of the difficulty that preceded them. And now I know that the next time I make that pie I need to put a pan or aluminum foil or something underneath the pie to catch any drippings that will come. I'm grateful for this experience and what it has taught me and if any of you are wondering, yes, I did clean the oven afterward.

Have a good week everybody!     

-- 

Elder Christensen

General Conference!!

Picture: me and Elder Schroeder 

Hey everybody!

So, I loved General Conference. Did all of you love General Conference? I was able to watch it in the Tabernacle, which was an amazing experience. I loved the talks and felt like they were all for me. I can't wait for the opportunity to read and study them again. I especially love the talk given by Devon Cornish about how to allow the atonement to work in our lives to help us through our trials. I really needed that reminder.

This week was good, not a lot happened at the library, just the usual craziness. I did have some difficulty with my anxiety, but I will overcome this. As Paul puts it, I have a thorn in my flesh and it is helping me turn to the Lord for help in all that I do. It is also keeping me humble. But the Lord's grace is sufficient, even for me, as it is for all of us. I know that is true.

Well, I hope you all have a great week!

Elder Christensen

Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid: for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation- Isaiah 12:2

Happy Conference Weekend!

Hello everyone!

So, Transfers were Tuesday and nothing changed for me. Elder Schroeder and I are still companions, I'm still in Access Services, I didn't move apartments and my p-day is still Friday. So, I'm happy. I'd still be happy if something changed, but whatever.

This week was pretty normal, nothing really exciting happened, which is perfectly fine.

Which brings me to... General Conference is tomorrow! I'm so excited I can hardly stand it! I really looking forward to hearing from the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve. 

For everyone who is wondering, the mission is providing tickets to the Priesthood session, and I'll be able to watch the others elsewhere.

Well, that's about it for this week. I hope everyone enjoys Conference. Listen with questions and the Spirit will provide answers. I know I'm going to do that.

Have a good week!

Elder Christensen 

I'm singing in the rain

 SNAPDRAGONS!!!

The Mount Timpanagos temple

Hello everyone!

So this week, at least yesterday and today, it rained. And when it wasn't raining it looked stormy. And it's getting a lot cooler. And the leaves are changing color. In short, fall is happening and it is amazing.

The highlight of this week was we went on a temple trip to the Mount Timpanagos (I'm not sure if I spelled that right?) temple. It was such an amazing experience. First of all it was great to leave the 4-by-8 block rectangular mission boundaries and to see more of the valley and another temple. That is such a beautiful temple. The image of the temple with Mount Timpanagos behind it was striking, to say the least. I also loved the flower garden surrounding it. That is the house of the Lord, just like every other temple I've been to.

I love the peace that the temple brings to my life and the relief it provides for the somewhat hectic environment that is the Library.

That was really all that happened today. I hope you're all doing well and know that I'm doing the same.

Elder Christensen

Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid: for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation- Isaiah 12:2

What is this Fall thing?

Hello everyone,

This week I learned that the mythical season known as Fall actually exists. It's a little of a strange experience, but I'm really enjoying it. I love how cool it gets at night and the leaves are starting to change color, which is really cool. Seasons are a thing.

This was a bit of an exciting week. I had a mission conference on Wednesday, which was a great experience. Also, the senior missionaries had their conference as well, and due to the fact I'm in the choir, I went as well. That was an amazing experience. There were two different speakers, both Seventies and it was a fantastic experience to hear them speak. The one on Wednesday, Elder Kopichke (spelling?) really impressed me. He talked about remembering spiritual experiences. He had people share experiences that they remembered which is always a cool experience, then he'd ask them how they or others benefited from those experiences. So it was really cool.

Something I remembered was the service I had done while I was here so far. I know, it hasn't been that long, but I tend to focus on things that I do wrong, so the good things I do tend to go unnoticed. During that talk, however, I remembered the service I had given to others, how I had helped them with find books or films or with the scanpros and how happy that made them. And as I thought of that, I felt so happy as well, knowing that I had helped them.  That was a really sweet experience, because I was able to see the good I do and how it far outnumbers the mistakes I've made.

So, I'm going to ask all of you, what spiritual experiences do you remember? How did it make you feel and how did it impact others? You don't have to answer, but if you want to I would love to hear about it.

I hope you all have a wonderful week!   

--

Elder Christensen

Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid: for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation- Isaiah 12:2

Abinadi is Awesome!

Hello everyone,

Not much happened this week, just the same old stuff. I found books and films, I put books and films away, I did battle with the scanpros, and I made lots of people happy.

I was reading in the Book of Mormon (how's the challenge going so far?) in Mosiah and I was touched by Abinadi's address (chapters 12-15). I have to say that has to be one of the most amazing addresses in the Book of Mormon, particularly in the lieu of the focus this month. I love how Abinadi explains the entire mission of the Savior so plainly and with such power. For example in chapter 15, verses 7-9 it reads: 

Yea, even so he shall be led, crucified and slain, the flesh becoming subject even unto death, the will of the Son being swallowed up in the will of the Father. And thus God breaketh the bands of death, having gained victory over death; giving the Son power to make intercession for the children of men- Having ascended into heaven, having the bowels of mercy; being filled with compassion towards the children of men; standing betwixt them and justice; having broken the bands of death, taken upon himself their iniquity and their transgressions, having redeemed them, and satisfied the demands of justice.

I got chills when I read this because this is the reason I get up in the morning and keep trying. No matter how hard my trials have been, no matter what mistakes I've made, no matter how many times I've fallen, I know I can start again, I have another chance. Because Christ suffered for my sins and trials and pains I don't have to, so long as I am faithful. I know that's true for me and for everyone who has, is and will live. The Book of Mormon challenge is changing my life, I can see that. I am coming to understand the Savior better than I ever have, and the Book of Mormon is the key.

I hope you all are doing well. I'll put my mailing address at the bottom of this email, just in case you would want to write me a letter or something. Have a good week everyone!

Pictures:

A watery book I found on the British floor. Also, apparently martyrology is a thing.          

--

Elder Christensen

Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid: for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation- Isaiah 12:2

Elder Ryan Christensen

c/o FCHH Mission

JSMB- East 3rd Floor

Attn: Young Missionary Directors

15 E South Temple St.

Salt Lake City, UT 84150-3460

Reading Books‏

Hello everyone!

So, it is now September.

Anyway, this week was interesting, because we started a special project. Over the past several months there has been an effort to inventory all the books in the library. Well, the British floor books have been completed. So, now it falls on us young elders who are on my floor and the floor below to read those books, that is make sure they are in order. Although I sometimes stop and actually read them, those books are all just so interesting. That's been interesting. It is the kind of thing that can drive you crazy, but I only do it for an hour at a time, so I'll be okay.

I also found what I really love about serving here, which is helping people find their ancestors and using the equipment in the library. Last night I had an experience like that. I was helping this couple on the scanpros, which are machines that allow you to take a save or print an image from a microfilm. I spend a lot of time working on them because they are wonderful and helpful and have the temperament of teenage girl.

But I digress. I was helping this couple save some images from a microfilm and I could see how excited and grateful they were to have a copy of this record with their ancestors. And I got to be a part of it. I have noticed that in this mission spiritual experiences are harder to see because we are only allowed to bear our testimonies if we are asked. But I know they are there because that is what I experienced last night. I don't know how much of my own research I'll do, but I do know that I love helping others with theirs. I love seeing their joy and I love seeing the Spirit of Elijah change their lives, because it does. Elijah had the amazing gift from the Lord to make things happen, whether it was sealing the heavens and calling down fire or turning families to each other. I have seen that in this mission and I know that it is true.

I hope you all are doing well. May the Lord be with you all. 

--

Elder Christensen

Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid: for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation- Isaiah 12:2

Transfers

Hi everyone,

So this week was transfers. The good news is: nothing changed. Elder Schroeder and I are still companions, we're still in Access Services and our P-Day is even the same. So that's a good thing.

I'm doing well out here. My anxiety has been acting up and it has been difficult, but I am taking counseling, so I'll be fine. And the Lord will help me through everything. I know the Lord called me here for a reason, and He is not going to let me fail and with His help this weakness will become a strength. This is all part of the Lord molding me into the person He wants me to be.

So, I've reached 3rd Nephi on the Book of Mormon challenge. I just recently read in chapter 17, where Christ heals the afflicted Nephites. The part that struck me was afterward, when Christ prays for them using "words that cannot be written." And this was all because of their faith. Christ even makes a point of saying that he had not seen such faith at Jerusalem. I testify that the Lord grants unto us according to our faith. I know that there are wonders and knowledge that the Lord wants to share with us, we only need to show Him, through our faith, that we are worthy of it. And if we do, there is nothing we cannot do, because the Lord will teach us anything and everything we need to know.

I hope you all have a wonderful week. And, just in case no one has told you this today, you are wonderful. The Lord knows and loves you better then you do and He is aware of any trials you may be facing. And you only need to ask and He will help you, often in ways you never think of. I know that because I've seen that in my own life. I love you all and hope to hear from you.   

-- 

Elder Christensen

Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid: for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation- Isaiah 12:2

One month down, 23 to go‏

Hi everyone!

It's official, as of yesterday I have been here one month! Which is exciting and kind of weird. I mean, I feel like I just started a week ago. I am also no longer a new elder anymore, due to the fact a new group came in this week. In line of all this, I'll list stuff I'm grateful for:

Flowers: I love all the flowerbeds around Temple Square

Microsoft Excel: The program my companion created makes putting films away so much easier

Music and the Spoken Word: That is such a wonderful way to start a Sunday morning and it is such a different experience to be there live.

The Book of Mormon challenge: I'm feeling closer to the Book of Mormon I ever have. I can feel the humanity of all the prophets within it because I'm reading it too fast to do an in-depth study of the doctrines. I can see that a lot of them had similar experiences to the ones I'm having now, both good and not so good.

The Temple: I love how strong the spirit is inside and how safe I feel. It truly is a house of God.

Elder Musgrave, the APs, my zone leaders, my district leader, Elder Schroeder and all the other elders here: Everyone has been so supportive and helpful. I have struggled with anxiety, but that's okay because everyone is here to help me and I know it.

Jesus Christ: I've come to better understand the Savior then I ever have. I have felt how much he loves me, I have a better idea of the magnitude of the Atonement, at least in terms of me and I am so grateful that He performed it. I know He lives and that all we need to do is come to Him and keep the commandments and He will take our sins, our pain, and everything that is unfair about life and He will heal them.

Well, that's about it for this week. The director of the mission choir, which I'm in, told the tenor section that we are singing too loud, which is probably the first time that's happened in the history of the church. But other than that, very there was very little about this week that was exciting, zone-wise. But that's okay, they can't all be exciting after all

Keep smiling everyone!  

--

Elder Christensen

Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid: for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation- Isaiah 12:2

Films, Films, and more Films

Hi everyone,

This week I drowned in microfilms. Our friend from France was still active this week, so that was always exciting. Also we cleaned out a lot of the films that were being held for patrons in the office, so my companion and I had to put those away as well.

However, this was easier because my companion and I came up with a system involving an excel spreadsheet. In honor of the Book of Mormon reading challenge I will explain it in terms of Jacob 5:

The Allegory of the Microfilms

There once was a High Density storage facility (where the shelves are close together and mechanized, kind of like an overflow) in a library in Salt Lake City. Several of these films had gone missing, whether by vagabonds or error is unknown. When the Lord of High Density (Elder Enderle, the Assistant Zone Leader) saw this, he saith "it grieveth me that I should lose these films, for the patrons are coming and wish to view them to do their family history. What more can I do for High Density?" Then the servant (Elder Schroeder) said unto him "let us make a spreadsheet and scan the barcodes thereon and when we return the films, write upon it the cabinet number wherewith we place the films, that they go not missing." And when the Lord of High Density heard this, he was glad and saith "Go, do as thou sayest; scan the bar codes upon the films into the spreadsheet that they go not missing." And they all went and did as was said, and when the patrons came films were not missing and there was much rejoicing throughout the land.

Hey, even missionaries need to have fun. But in all seriousness I could see the Lord's hand in that experience. I could see Him guiding Elder Schroeder and I through the process of making and refining that excel spreadsheet, because we needed to not lose those films. It was a wonderful testimony that the Lord is invested in everything we do, as long as our intent is righteous and in the service of others.

Well, that's really it for this week. I'm doing okay. This whole missionary thing is becoming a lot easier to manage. Transfers are coming up soon, so maybe I'll be moved somewhere else. I love being around all the books in the library. I really love the work I'm doing. One of these weeks I'll remember to include my mailing address in the email so if you want you can send me a letter or something.

Love you all

Ryan     

Working in the Library

The view from my old apartment

My companion, Elder Schroeder, holding a Q book. Those are very large books that have a special section in the library. The one in the picture isn't the largest.     

Hi everyone!

This week I finished my training and started officially working in the library. That has been interesting and fun. A gentleman from France ordered over 100 films from the Granite Mountain Record vault and a couple of days ago he came and started looking through them. So that's been crazy, particularly when he finishes with a set of them we have to file them which involves a lot of shifting to find a place for them all. My companion and I refer to him as "our friend from France." That's been a very interesting experience so far, and we'll keep doing it for the next couple days.

And that's the most exciting thing that's happened zone-wise this week. I have started the Book of Mormon challenge and I can say it is wonderful. I've noticed a lot of patterns because I'm reading it too fast for details. I've especially noticed a lot of repetition, particularly of the exact nature of the covenants the Lord made with Israel and reminding people how the Lord has blessed His people in the past. And that has made me think of how the Lord has blessed me in the past. And it really is amazing how much He has especially in times of difficulty. I can testify that the Lord is aware of our challenges and He does bless us, even if we don't understand it in the moment 

Well, that's about it for this week. I'm doing well, feeling happy. I feel like I'm doing a good work and the Lord is pleased with what I'm doing.

Love you all,

Elder Christensen