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