Week #90

Well it happened. Brody sent an email with some scriptures in it. I'm surprised he took the time to type out all of the verses. I guess its a good thing. It is really neat to see his growth. We only chatted for  a short time. He was off to play rugby. Time is really ticking away. Thanks for all of your support.

                                                                                                                                                            

Well Hello Everyone, 

this past week was a great one! i had a couple of cool experiences. i got to go on exchanges with Elder Toombs, he is 24 and has been out for about 6 months. we had a good day, we were on bikes. i can say that i do not miss biking!! 

we also had zone conference this past week. i got to see Elder Mo'o and some other missionaries. he goes home one transfer before me. i only have 2 more zone conferences which is crazy! i learned a lot at zone conference. 

i want to share something that i was studying this past week and relate it to my mission and to life in general. the story i am going to share is found in John chapter 21. this is after Christ has been resurrected. it is talking about Peter and the other disciples. so i want to start in verse 3..... 

  3 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.

 4 But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.

5 Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.

6 And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.

 7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher’s coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.8 And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes.

9 As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.

10 Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught.

 11 Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.

12 Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.

So in verse 3 Peter says that he was going to go fishing which was what he did before he was a disciple. so he was going back to living his normal old life. i feel that sometimes we do the same thing, after a big event or a spiritual experience we eventually go aback to the way we were and we don't fully change. Peter saw many miracles and preached with Christ for a long time. And after Christ's death Peter wasn't sure what to do so he went back to his normal life and went fishing. and now in verses 15-17 we will see what Christ says when the disciples come up to the shore.... 

15¶So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter,Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? Hesaith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee.He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son ofJonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thouknowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas,lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said untohim the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him,Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I lovethee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

i really like this scripture passage because Christ is telling Peter that if he truly loves him he should "feed his sheep" or become changed and more converted. Christ is pretty much saying, after all that you have seen and experienced are you going to be truly changed? Peter forgot for a moment what he should have been doing and what he was called to do. Peter went on to be incredibly faithful and a great disciple. 

The Atonement allows us to change and become better. it helps us to not slip into our old habits or old ways of life. i truly feel that my mission has changed me and i will not forget about it after my mission, i am forever changed. Being a disciple of Christ is a life long thing not just for 2 years. i am so grateful for the Atonement and ability to overcome trials and become stronger and better. 

One thing that has been hard for me in the past is talking to everyone on the street. it can be awkward but i found a great solution to  overcome it. i just tried picturing everyone in temple clothes and seeing their true potential as sons and daughter of God. it really made it easier to talk to people. and i was amazed with how many people said yes and accepted to listen to the missionaries. it makes me wish i would have figured this out a long time ago. 

so yesterday was Easter, we had a branch party and ate carne asada and had a great time! it was a really good day! we even had a lot of non members who are now investigators show up to church! that is about if for my week. i love and miss you all! have a great week and enjoy General Conference!
Elder Jensen

Elder Jensen tries a new hair do