Preaching the Gospel in Bydgoszcz!

January 20th

First week in Bydgoszcz and Lance loves it already!  He says it's "seriously the best!"
He says the town is very similar in size to his hometown in Utah.  The people are friendly and many people stop to talk with the missionaries.  He and his companion are starting out this transfer right.  They've got one person who is very interested at this point.  This man has promised to read the Book of Mormon and find for himself if it's true.  So they are very excited about his progress!  He feels this transfer is a blessing.

He shares Alma chapter 12 from the Book of Mormon.  The chapter lays out the plan of salvation.  Alma explains it well so that most anyone can understand.  Adam and Eve chose to learn through the full expression of free will.  It's best to have the opportunity to be faced with both the good and bad so we can make a more educated decision.

Lance had zone trainings recently and he was able to see one of his past companions, which he was happy about.  In his zone, they have Poznan, Szczecin, Gdansk, Bydgoszcz districts, so he and his companion teach the missionaries in those districts.  He loves the work!  He enjoys translating for the American family in his branch.  He thinks they are an amazing family!  He has become friends with those he serves with.

January 27th

The weather's cold so they keep their apartment very warm.  He's decided that he hates the cold.  "It's horrible.  It hurts!"

No meeting with their current investigator this week, though they're not too worried.  They gave him a baptism date.  He says one of the biggest lessons he's learned is patience and trust in the Lord's timing.  He points out that God knows what we need and when we need it, so we ought not get frustrated.  We just need to do our best, keep our covenants, and align ourselves with God's plan.  Everything will work out!

Though they receive their fair share of rejection, they don't let it get them down.  He's found that it helps him keep his emotions in check.  Even when they get yelled at, threatened, and attacked, they keep on going. They ask themselves, "What would Christ do?"...and that is to just love and accept people.  God loves all His children!

Sunday is always a miracle day, he says.  He gets to translate for the 3 hour block and he has enjoyed it.  He says he keeps his energy up by drinking water and taking shots of peppermint oil.  He really relies on the Spirit to know what the speaker is saying so he can translate correctly.  He loves the language and plans on continuing it even after he's home.  He says he'll probably pick Welsh back up when he gets home.  He thinks it'll be easy considering the difficulty level of Polish.  But they had a great teaching experience later that day.  They contacted someone who invited them to meet at a certain address.  Turns out it was a large Catholic church.  They were invited to an upstairs room to teach a small group of young men.  It was a very spiritual meeting.

Those in the meeting all left with their own copy of the Book of Mormon.

February 3

The Superbowl was yesterday and Lance was curious as to which team had won.  His companion was rooting for the Seahawks, so he was wondering if they'd won.  The weather's been nice there and they've enjoyed the spring like temps.  They taught quite a few lessons over the week, including their usual Sunday miracle day!  He prayed and fasted that day to find people who are ready to hear the Gospel and are ready to change.  They had their prayers answered that very night.

His brother's birthday was February 1st and he sends his love and well wishes.  He ate a brownie from an American brownie mix and had an MSG reaction.  I know what that's like considering I also have the same physical reaction to it.  So, he learned a valuable lesson not to eat bad food.

He mentions again that he feels like the mission has helped him become much more patient.  He shares a scripture story from Mosiah where we are encouraged to be patient in our afflictions and be faithful that we will benefit from our trials.  Put our trust in God.  Mosiah 24:14-15
Follow this link - http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/24?lang=eng
How do we get patience?
Step one:  Hope, faith, and prayer
Step two:  100% trust in the Lord
Step three:  Do everything in your power to not get angry or frustrated. Choose to be calm and cheerful.
We all have weaknesses but when we try to overcome them, He makes them strengths.  We're not perfect but Mosiah 4:9 helps us put our trust in the Lord.  It takes charity, faith, hope, prayer, scripture study, hope, attaining knowledge!

He closes this week's recordings with his testimony of Joseph Smith being a true prophet.

February 10th

Lance starts out by hoping we received the snow that we prayed for.  He knows that Utah counts on the snow pack in the mountains for our water for the summer.  In Poland, the weather's been really warm.

He shared his regular everyday schedule:
Get up at 6:30, get ready, work out, eat, shower.
Personal study at 8:00 in the Bible, Book of Mormon, Preach My Gospel
Comp study at 9:00, read from the Missionary Handbook.
Language study at 10:00.
Out on the streets teaching from 11:00 to 1:00.
Lunch from 1 to 2:00.
Then more teaching till 5:00 for dinner.
Back out for more teaching until 9:00.
Plan for half an hour, pray, and take calls from the 4 District Leaders in the Zone.
Call into the APs.
Write in our journals and go to bed.

He gives a review of Our Heritage and shares his feelings about the history of the pioneers.  He has the utmost respect for Joseph Smith and those who were the first members of the restored church.  Many of his ancestors on his dad's side are those pioneers and most of our state was settled by them.  He's very grateful for their sacrifices.

He's making plans for what he'll do when he gets home.  School is on the docket now, which is a change since he didn't care at all before he left for his mission to go to college.  He has learned a lot about life and people during this mission.  He has a genuine concern and love for his fellow man.

A month's worth of missionary work!

12-23-13

Preparing for our Christmas phone call, he kept this week's recordings and email short.  He did advise us to jot down a few questions or thoughts that we might have for our call.  We had already done that...because we had been preparing for a few weeks for the call!
He says that Zoliborz had still had nice temperatures and no snow.  Unusual for Poland at this time of the year, to say the least.  He says that's made it feel less like Christmas, even though Warsaw is decked out with massive and beautiful light displays.  They are having a little get together with the other missionaries in his area and exchange White Elephant gifts.  The missionaries have been caroling as a way to meet people.  He's learned some great Polish carols that he promises to sing to us when he gets home.
The Christmas season is a great time for the missionaries to teach those who will listen about Christ.  Often, they will talk with people who don't understand that when we pray, we pray directly to our Heavenly Father, in the name of Christ.  This can be a new concept to many who aren't familiar with the Restored Church and how Jesus Christ taught when he was on the Earth.
Lance has become pretty comfortable with the language, to the extent that he translates during meetings for those who only speak English.  He explained to us the syntax and other aspects of Polish but it still seems too complicated for me!
He closed his email with the time and the phone number we were to call on Christmas Day and expressed his excitement at hearing from us.

12-25-13

Our Christmas call was a success...eventually!  We were scheduled to call at 12:00 p.m., our time.  I began the process at 11:55 but the call wasn't connecting.  I got on line to look up further calling instructions, but still no luck.  I started to get panicked.  My older son got on my cell carrier's website only to learn that the International calling plan I had bought wasn't everything I needed.  We ran over to the neighbors to use their phone, but it also wouldn't work through their plan.  Finally, I called Lance's companion's parents in Idaho and asked them to call Lance and let him know we were working on it.  Thankfully, his companion's dad was able to patch us through on a conference call.  We were about 25 minutes late getting through, but at least we were able to talk!  We all got some time to talk with him and hear his happiness.  He always tells us through his emails and recordings that he loves it, and that's what we heard again on our call.  Now the count down to Mother's Day!  I will have the right calling plan figured out then.

Christmas Eve

12-30-13

Lance starts out by expressing how great it was to hear our voices on Christmas Day.  Even though there was all the confusion, it was still wonderful!  We all owe a debt of gratitude to his companion's parents!  Thankfully, they travel to our area often so we will be taking them out for Indian food to thank them.
They were able to go to the Branch President's home for Christmas Eve for a get together.  They had dinner and reenacted the Nativity.  He said it was a lot of fun.  I'm so grateful for those in Poland who go out of their way to include my son in their activities! After the activity, they went to Catholic Mass.  This was the second Mass he's attended since being in Poland.  Christmas Day had them at the chapel for most of the day with games, food, and entertainment.  Then our phone call was a great end to his celebration!
He closes by sharing a short spiritual thought about holding on to faith and revisits the story of Abinidi in the Book of Mormon.  Read the story in Mosiah chapters 11 and 12.(http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/11?lang=eng)

Christmas in Warsaw

1-6-14

Happy New Year!
Lance got his transfer to a town named Bydgoszcz (bid-go-sh-t...or something close to it) and he's so excited!  It's a beautiful town, he says.  He's also excited to serve with his new companion and serving as Zone Leader.  His former companion is going to continue on with an investigator they've been teaching.
The missionaries got to teach in a town named Prague (prah-guh) on New Year's Day.  They were doing a white board lesson on the street when they were confronted by a group of drunk guys.  Lance knew, from past experiences, not to talk to them, but this group wouldn't leave.  Eventually, the missionaries had to get away.  But they got followed onto the tram.  Lance ended up getting punched in the side and slapped in the face!  Lance was able to call the police, which diffused the situation.  Soon, some of the people on the tram began to stand up for the missionaries.  It all ended peacefully, which is good.  This is definitely not the first time he's been attacked.  Let's hope it's the last!
Lance shares Mosiah 29 which describes the qualities of a good government:
Verse 16 - Now I say unto you, that because all men are not just it is not expedient that ye should have a king or kings to rule over you.  
Verse 17 - For behold, how much iniquity doth one wicked king cause to be committed, yea, and what great destruction!
Verse 26 - Now it is not common that the voice of the people desireth anything contrary to that which is right; but it is common for the lesser part of the people to desire that which is not right; therefore this shall ye observe and make it your law - to do your business by the voice of the people
Verse 27 - And if the time comes that the voice of the people doth choose iniquity, then is the time that the judgments of God will come upon you; yea, then is the time he will visit you with great destruction even as he has hitherto visited this land.
Personally, I'm very thankful for the Book of Mormon which gives us so many warnings as to the best and most effective way to live.

Photographic proof that Lance does sing!

1-13-14

Well, Lance loves Bydgoszcz!  No surprise there.  He's loved every place in Poland!  He says this town reminds him a lot of Szczecin.  Old town feel and lots of friendly people on the streets.  Their apartment is really nice...it even has a bidet, which is fairly unknown here in the States.  His new companion is enthusiastic and loves the Polish people, so they're going to be a great companionship.
Lance had to buy a new set of luggage.  He says the set he brought from home is "completely destroyed".
He's lined up for some exchanges to several towns which have names I can't spell.  He and his companion are involved in getting the zone trainings and conferences planned.  He has really enjoyed being so involved in the workings of the mission.  He feels like he has a deeper understanding of what the needs are.  He says it's fun and he loves it.  A little nervous, but he's excited!
He has a couple investigators now.  They get to teach a couple lessons this week, along with the zone meetings.  He has so many great and wonderful things to say about his fellow missionaries!  And he loves the branch he's in.  There are almost 40 members...and everyone in leadership positions is Polish, which he says is "SO great!".  He especially loves an American family living in Bydgoszcz.  This family has been very involved with the missionaries and the whole mission experience.  They had the missionaries for dinner and they all got to know each other and had a nice dinner.
And, he got word that someone he and his companion in Szczecin had been teaching got baptized this weekend!  They had a wonderful phone conversation, which made Lance so happy.

As his mom, knowing that he's being cared for, making great friends, and enjoying this mission has been the most comforting and joyful experience!

We miss him but wouldn't want him anywhere else right now.

Playing a game

Laughing!

Games

Buddies

Thanks, Kelley!

A few weeks' updates!

11-25

No snow yet…and Lance is hoping it will just “give up” like it does sometimes in Utah.
They’re kicking butt and moving forward. He expects to get a baptismal date soon for someone they’re teaching right now.  Another man they’re teaching came to Gospel Doctrine, where Lance taught on the topic of the Gathering of the House of Israel. He loves that topic. Jacob 5 in the Book of Mormon, which Lance calls the biggest parable we have, covers a lot of the subject matter. He points out that the Gathering is all saints across the world building Zion where ever they live. He mentions a great book, “A Companion to your Study of the Book of Mormon”. Lance says it’s probably the most helpful book he’s read yet to help him explain to others things within the Book of Mormon.

He had a few experiences that led him to dub this week “drunk person week.” He says that winter can become depressing and one way people may deal with it is to spend time being drunk. He says they went tracting to a “communist block” and saw a lady sitting on the curb looking sad. He and his companion decided to talk to her. It didn't take him long to realize that she had been drinking when she came at him, threatening to give him a kiss. He backed away quickly and explained that wasn't going to happen. So, they all agreed it was time for them to part ways. “It was super funny…and super weird!”
His next experience happened when they were teaching a lesson on the street. During their discussion, a drunk couple came up and began interrupting. When they were asked what they wanted, the woman came up to Lance and tried to snuggle up against him. He backed away and told her he had a Book of Mormon for her. She got really excited and gave him a drunk lady kiss on his forehead and then the couple just stumbled off. But they were able to finish the lesson in the end!

He says his mission is like an adventure every day. He’s learned to embrace change. The Gospel doesn't change but people do. When we get into a rut and aren't progressing, we become depressed. So if we can change, for the better, we feel much more accomplished. Thanks to our agency and mortality, we can work on those things we consider to be weaknesses and turn them to strengths. Recently, he came up with a list of things he feels that he could get better at. He is now working on making them strengths.

The Gospel has changed his life and he has seen how it has changed the lives of many people around him. He points out that it never gets old, becoming some sort of hobby. It’s simple yet it’s the fundamentals of life. He loves the Gospel. And so do I!

 

12-2

Still no snow, just super cold. “But, it’s good. And it’s beautiful!” He says it gets light around 7:30 and dark around 3:30. And the sun just barely gets up above the horizon, like a constant sunset. They’re walking their feet off…he’s got “missionary feet”!

They’re still teaching a few investigators and things are progressing with them. He’s had the opportunity to visit with a few “atheists”, which Lance enjoys. He says they spend a lot of time sharing our beliefs on life after death. And how our lives are of divine importance and that we all have a great purpose. They also address that God is our loving Father and we can gain a personal relationship with Him through prayer.

Lance shares his feelings on the story of Enos, a prophet from the Book of Mormon. The story of this amazing prophet can be found here: http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/enos
The story has had a great impact on how Lance views prayer. Enos prays with mighty faith for his loved ones and for the people.  Enos gives us a good example of how we would want to pray…with sincerity. Lance encourages us to look up the topic prayer in the Bible dictionary and read.
“As soon as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward God (namely, God is our Father, and we are His children), then at once prayer becomes natural and instinctive on our part (Matt. 7:7–11). Many of the so-called difficulties about prayer arise from forgetting this relationship. Prayer is the act by which the will of the Father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with each other. The object of prayer is not to change the will of God but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant but that are made conditional on our asking for them. Blessings require some work or effort on our part before we can obtain them. Prayer is a form of work and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings.”
Pray not in vain, in a rote manner, but with a sincere heart. Align our will with God’s will.

Lance bought a cookbook and has been making his own pierogis (dumplings), which are similar to raviolis. They are a very popular food in Poland. He loves the Polish language and has been translating during their Sunday meetings. He says it’s a bit of a work out trying to keep up, but knows that he has been blessed through the Spirit to be able to do it. They had a great celebration at the mission president's house for Thanksgiving. He says it was great to get a taste of traditional American Thanksgiving food.

12-9

Finally got some snow…and even received his Christmas package I sent! Last year it took him over a month to get his package, this time around it took about a week. I included some pictures from Thanksgiving so he could see his family. He was most impressed with his brother’s beard. I guess beards are a big deal in Poland.

Lance caught us up on the investigators they’ve been meeting with lately. It sounds like they are covering some great doctrine. He shares the story in Acts 19 where some disciples were baptizing in the name of John instead of in the name of Christ. When Paul explains the importance of being baptized in the name of Christ, they re-baptize properly and receive the Holy Ghost through the proper authority. This is an important story in the scriptures about baptism.

Lance says most everyone has a dog. So he has met a lot of people just by being friendly to their dog. And if he needs directions..."A Polish person will run and jump in front of a car to give directions! If they don't know where it is exactly, they'll call a friend and get those directions!"

Lance concludes by sharing his belief that he is serving for the right reasons. He's not there because he HAS to, he's there because he wants to and he loves.  He is grateful for his conversion to the Gospel and hopes to impart to others his enthusiasm and joy.  Matthew 10:39 encompasses his feelings...that when we follow Jesus Christ by losing ourselves through the service of others, we find a new life.  Again, Lance encourages us to re-read "Jesus the Christ".  It's a great book and I think I'll take him up on his challenge.

Just chillin in Zoliborz

We're quickly approaching Thanksgiving and Lance was remembering the party they had last year with the Nielsons.  He said it was a lot of fun and hopes they'll get together for another celebration this year.  Lance is always up for a celebration!

Last week was "a way good week", he says.  They are teaching a few awesome people and it appears that God is busy working miracles in their lives.  Lance comments that the Gospel will bless your life and give you more purpose...and can't we all use more blessings and purpose???  One of the people they're teaching is an older man who is so very kind to Lance and his companion.  He offers them chocolate and herbal tea and shares with them many stories from Poland's history.  Lance really appreciates their visits with this gentleman!

Usually when Lance speaks of his fellow missionaries in Poland, I hear things like, "They're all the best!  They're all the bomb!  I love them all!"...occasionally he'll mention actual names and tell us something nice about specific people.  Truly, everything he's ever said to us about these other amazing servants of the Lord has been super positive.  This week he mentioned a few of these missionaries and listed some of their great qualities.  All the Elders and the Sisters in his district got a shout out in this recording.

This week's spiritual thought is based somewhat from a talk from David A. Bednar titled, "And Nothing Shall Offend Them".  Basically he gives examples of how people may be too easily offended by human behavior.  He quotes the talk: "When we believe or say we have been offended, we usually mean we feel insulted, mistreated, snubbed, or disrespected.  And certainly clumsy, embarrassing, unprincipled, and mean-spirited things do occur in our interactions with other people that would allow us to take offense.  However, it ultimately is impossible for another person to offend you or to offend me.  Indeed, believing that another person offended us is fundamentally false.  To be offended is a choice we make; it is not a condition inflicted or imposed upon us by someone or something else."  Lance says that he finds that to be very true.  We choose how we will react to other's behaviors.

He goes on to refer to 2 Nephi 2:13-14 wherein we learn that we are not inanimate objects to be acted upon.  He quotes Elder Bednar again, "Endowed with agency, you and I are agents, and we primarily are to act and not just be acted upon.  To believe that someone or something can MAKE us feel offended, angry, hurt or bitter, diminishes our moral agency and transforms us into objects to be acted upon.  As agents, however, you and I have the power to act and to choose how we will respond to an offensive or hurtful situation."  Lance goes on to quote more of the talk, which you can find here:  http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2006/10/and-nothing-shall-offend-them

His final conclusion on this thought is we are imperfect people within a perfect church.  We learn through experiences and move on...that's just how life works.  Accepting the fact that we're ALL imperfect and make mistakes and acknowledge that, we stop becoming perfectionists within ourselves and have less reason to be frustrated.  We can be patient, with meekness, and put our trust in God that we will become perfect...someday!  He shares 2 Nephi 28:30, which has become one of his favorite scriptures.  Lend an ear to God's wisdom and receive what He gives us.  We just can't control others.  We can control how we react.

So, an interesting thing happened while they waiting for a tram.  He said some drunk guy kicked him in the foot as hard as he could.  Lance asks him why, and the guy responds with an apology and shakes Lance's hand.  As the guy stumbles away, the guy declares he doesn't like people who preach the Gospel of Christ.  Soon, the man was bothering others around him for cigarettes and money.

Lance says that speaking Polish has been giving him cankers!  He says the ways he has to move his mouth is tough and he gave us some examples of how some strange the words can be for an English speaker.  One word he shared sounds a lot like a bunch of shhhhh-es.  So funny!  Regardless, he loves the language, the people, the culture, and the land.

He closes by asking for more of his CDs to give out.  I'm putting his Christmas package in the mail this next week so he'll have it by Christmas.  I'll include his CDs, some more Christmas CDs, a bunch of healthy treats/snacks, pictures, more essential oils, and an awesome missionary looking stocking.  :)

Being a trainer is the BEST!

November 4th, 2013

Apparently, the early winter weather passed them over and they are enjoying some warm fall temps.  Which he is happy about!  He is also happy that he is going to be a trainer again and stay in Zoliborz.  He says it's a lot of responsibility and can be a little nerve racking, but he absolutely loves it.  It makes him think about being as good an example as possible, at all times.

The week brought many opportunities to teach lessons, both on the streets and in people's homes.  They have been meeting with a man and his sister, which Lance says has been going well.  He says they are very open minded and he appreciates that.   They also met with another woman who has been going to their English class.  Lance says she is progressing wonderfully and believes she will accept baptism soon.

Halloween in Poland is much more of a spiritual celebration and it goes for three days.  November 1st is called "The Day of the Dead" and the missionaries put together an open house at the chapel to introduce the Gospel to visitors.  They put up several displays representing different aspects of the Gospel, such as The Plan of Salvation and the Restoration.  They also sang hymns and served refreshments.  He said they had a great turn out and it was a lot of fun.

For his spiritual thought, he focuses on leadership.  He says being on this mission has really taught him how important it is to lead by example.  Though he feels like he has been taught since childhood how to lead, he feels that he has grown much more in this area through being completely obedient to God's will.  He adds that being bold, confident, and diligent in all things makes a good leader.  He has learned a lot of great things from his leaders on the mission.  He points out that those people who are always being obedient to the Lord are those who have had the greatest influence on him.

Lance also feels it's important that missionaries do their best in all things, to be optimistic and positive.  To just be happy and enthusiastic about life, ready to help and serve.  Willing to give more than is expected.  He explains that he has made it his goal to be a "consecrated missionary"...someone who does these things because he wants to.

To quote Tad R. Callister's talk Becoming a Consecrated Missionary:
"What is a consecrated missionary?  It is a missionary who is willing to lay everything on the altar of sacrifice and to hold nothing back.  It is a willingness to give every ounce of energy, every conscious thought, and every drop of passion to this work - to submit our will to God's will, whatever it may be."

Lance also shares a great scripture from the Book of Mormon...Alma 38:5 "...I would that ye should remember, that as much as ye shall put your trust in God even so much ye shall be delivered out of your trials, and your troubles, and your afflictions, and ye shall be lifted up at the last day." See http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/38

This young man was a good buddy in Poland, but he's home now.

I'm certain Lance will be looking him up when he's home!

November 11, 2013

Lance starts off this week's recordings by sharing a lot of great things about his new companion.  Lance says that getting a companion straight out of the MTC is fun because they have so much fresh hope and excitement...and it is a great boost!

They were able to meet with an elderly man who survived WWII.  The man took them to a memorial near their apartment to show them where the Polish Uprising began.  The man was able to give them a lot of the story of how the Uprising started.  Lance usually jumps on the opportunity to learn anything he can about Poland from the people he meets.

They have been experiencing "so many miracles" lately!  They met a man from Nigeria who is in Poland playing for a soccer league team.  Lance says he is so cool, has a lot of faith, and is very sincere.  Lance speaks of an elderly man they are meeting with who is doing wonderfully.  They received a great compliment from this man...he used an honorable term in Polish which means something like "I bow to you".  I guess it's a huge honor to have someone "bow to you"!  Lance said this has only happened to him twice now.

His spiritual thought for this week is about being a part of God's work.  As a missionary, Lance has had the opportunity to immerse himself in teaching the Gospel.  But it applies to all of us...God helps us make our weaknesses strengths.  To accomplish God's great work, we must strive to be in alignment with His will and express our Christ-like attributes.  Lance says that one scripture that has influenced him greatly is from Mosiah 28:3, which reads:  "Now they were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they could not bear that any human soul should perish; yea the very thoughts that any soul should endure endless torment did cause them to quake and tremble."
He says that has personally been a reason he's on a mission...to share the same happiness he has with others.  Though he's not perfect, he knows that he can still help others.

Lance loves Poland and the Polish people.  He loves the Lord.  He loves his family and friends.  And he loves life.

A few weeks' recordings in a nutshell!

October 14th:
Lance starts off by describing his area.  It sounds like Zoliborz is beautiful in the fall.  There seems to be a sort of mist that has an amazing "Poland" smell to it.
His week was productive!  He went on an exchange with another elder in Bialystok.  The town and the branch in the town are fairly small. It's about 3 hours away from Warsaw and he got to ride the train...which he loves.  He says the scenery reminds him of how he imagines the Medieval days would have appeared.  
As District Leader, he goes on exchanges with all the elders in his district and he enjoys that very much.  He gets to know the elders and meet lots of people in their areas.
One of the elders in his district is going to start following Lance's diet plan, so he's glad he's been able to be a positive influence in the health area.

The spiritual message he shares with us this week is about the blessings that come from serving a mission.  One important aspect of this mission for him is the deeper understanding he now has of living a consecrated, Christ-like life.  Living a life consecrated life can be tough sometimes, but it is possible!  See the talk by Quentin L.Cook that inspired Lance to consider this topic here: http://www.lds.org/ensign/2013/05/personal-peace-the-reward-of-righteousness?lang=eng

Lance goes on to share his feelings on how we can recognize and follow the promptings of the Spirit.  Listening thru a prayerful attitude and strive to be worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost.  Our actions have a huge effect on this.  One thing he has learned on his mission is that if it brings forth good fruit, if it enlightens, if it uplifts, if it's positive and affirmative, then it's of the Spirit.  And we need to act upon it.  When prompted to do something, don't wait, just act on it immediately.  He lists four steps that he uses to apply this in his life:
1. Live worthy of the companionship of the Spirit
2. Pray for it, for enlightenment
3. Listen for the promptings (keep your mind open, scriptures, etc)
4. Act

He concludes his recording by expressing his love of Poland, the Polish language, and his mission.  "I just love everything!"

October 21st:
Lance begins by expressing his amazement that he's been in Poland for a year at this point.  Well, October 23rd, to be exact.  He says time is flying by so quickly.  His responsibilities as a district leader keep him so busy, but he enjoys every minute of it.
They went to see the play "Singing in the Rain" for their culture night.  They had bought seats in the back, but just before the play started, they were offered seats on the front row.  He found out later why the front row was empty...they all got wet from the "rain"!  He said it a fun time for everyone!
They were able to teach about 12 lessons on the street.  He says it was a good week for contacts.  He met a young man who was listening to a metal band that Lance had seen live before his mission.  So, it was a good ice breaker.  They had a good conversation and left the young man with a Book of Mormon.

His spiritual thought was inspired by a couple of talks he had read recently.
One was about four types of missionaries:
The first type of missionary was the one who is super disobedient and goes home because he can't handle it.
The second type was disobedient but finishes out the mission but doesn't accomplish anything.
The third type was obedient but does it out of duty.
The fourth is the consecrated missionary who is obedient and does it because he wants to, not cuz he has to.

The other talk was about purifying ourselves through a forty day process of giving up things and behaviors that aren't beneficial.  He gives an example of the symbolism of animal sacrifice...that we don't need to sacrifice an actual animal, but the animal within us.
So to begin your 40 day process, start with a fast.  Ask God to help you discover those things you could benefit from changing and what kind of attributes and characteristics you would like to achieve.  Write down what revelation you receive and review it every night before bed.  Pray in the morning for the strength and ability to achieve what you have written, then in your nightly prayers, review with the Lord how you did.
Lance has been doing this for a few days and feels more spiritual than he ever has.  He feels like he's been an obedient and good missionary, but this has helped him work on the things he'd like to improve upon.  So he can be the best he can be according to his own judgment.
I would like to add that sacrifice is not a term I use in my daily life.  I use the term "willing offering".  When I attempt this forty day purification for myself, I will willingly offer up to the Lord those things/behaviors/actions/thoughts/etc. that I feel would benefit me and my spirituality.  Because God loves all His children, regardless.
(I couldn't find the talk references on lds.org)

He concludes his message by thanking us for his last package (which included a TON of CDs), a few healthy treats, and the wedding announcement of a friend.  So far, we've sent him a package every month since he's been in Poland.  Costs about $30 each time, and so worth every penny.

October 28th:
Lance starts out his recording with a weather report.  This week has been nice weather, no need for a coat, and just great fall temps.  He says he does appreciate Utah's weather; whereas before, he used to complain about it when he was here.
He shared a funny story from last week.  He said that as he and his companion were doing their language study when they heard accordion music coming from their street.  When they looked out the window, the guy playing looks up at them with a huge smile and starts jumping around while playing.  I guess he was going to every window and playing till someone looked out.  Lance says they've seen him before on a Tram...where he was playing for everyone.
They have a new investigator that Lance has asked us to pray for.  He says the man seems very open minded.

The spiritual thought Lance shares today is something that was inspired by Mosiah 24 (see http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/24).  God gives the people in this scripture story the comfort and strength that they need during their time of affliction so that the burdens are light upon their shoulders.  God does this same work with us in our own lives.  The trials aren't taken away, but made light.  Only, that is, if we want the Lord's help.  Can we be humble and ask for help?  And then give it all to God?  It's up to us!

He concludes this recording with a summary of what is going to be happening this week.  They are planning on putting on an Open House on Halloween in their chapel where they put up displays and offer refreshments and give tours.  In Poland, there is two days of Halloween, which they call the Day of the Dead and the next day is All Saints' Day.  He loved one of the CDs I sent...his favorite song is this one:
http://youtu.be/nLGMglXJVaU

I knew he'd love that CD!


Some pictures from a trip to the zoo earlier this month:

"It's positivity. And it's the best thing to have!"

Warsaw Uprising Museum

I'll be attempting to combine two week's worth of recordings/email correspondence in this post.  For whatever reason, I've gotten behind.  So I'm finally catching up, thanks in part to my awesome friend Betsy who gave me a little reminder nudge last night!

Every Monday morning at 5:00 a.m., we go straight to the computer so we can hear (download) Lance's words...and if we're lucky and he's still on the computer, we can have a short chat session.  He isn't too fond of typing either, so the recordings are where we get most of our details.

Last week's correspondence begins with him sharing what the weather has been like in Warsaw.  Winter is making an early appearance.  He says that it's "alright cuz I've got a coat and stuff."  He does plan on stitching up the holes in his winter clothes.  Another great skill learned in the mission field cuz he didn't do such things before!  The area of Warsaw he's in is called Zoliborz, which he says is very beautiful.  He promises to take more pictures before next transfer.  There is a nice park with a small lake that they visit everyday to meet people.  They met a guy there who has shown a great deal of interest, so they are hopeful for him!

Lance is loving being District Leader.  He has really gotten to know the missionaries in his district much better because of it.  He had his first district meeting recently and he felt it went really well.  He was a little nervous at first, but it ended up being "really fun".  He makes phone calls every night to make sure they're all safe and good.  He says it has really helped him know better how to help and serve everyone.  Plus, he's learning how to better himself and be a better leader.

The spiritual thought he chose is "the tongue of angels".
He begins by quoting from the Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 32:2-3.
Verse 2:  Do ye not remember that I said unto you that after ye had received the Holy Ghost ye could speak with the tongue of angels?  And now, how could ye speak with the tongue of angels save it were by the Holy Ghost?
Verse 3: Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ.  Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.
Lance points out that the tongue of angels are the words of Christ...words of truth and faith.  Positive words full of hope, optimism, enthusiasm.  Words of affirmation, salvation, manifestation.  When we speak truth, we are speaking the tongue of angels (2 Nephi 33:1). He goes on to quote Ephesians 4:29, which reads:
"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers."  When speaking, speak the truth with faith and hope.  Use our words to build, not destroy.  Use our words how Christ would to manifest happiness in our lives.

Our words have power!

This week's correspondence begins with a report on the weather...still very cold, but it sounds like Fall is beautiful sight to behold there in Warsaw!  He says they taught a lot of lessons on the streets, which always makes Lance happy.  He asked about everyone's lives and how everyone is doing.  He always makes a point to ask about specific family members and ask me to send on his love to them.  It sounds like he's loving the mission.  He comments that he enjoys being DL.  He learns something new everyday.  Most important to him, is to lead by example.  He speaks very highly of every missionary in his district.  I think he's made some life long friends!

On Sunday, they had a visitor, who studies religions as his specialty, come to church.  He is writing a paper on our religion and wanted to experience it for himself.  Afterwards, he interviewed the missionaries, asking many authentic questions.  He commented after the interviews that out of all the religions he's studied and experienced, there is something unique and different that he found very appealing.  Lance says it was a great experience for everyone.

His spiritual thought for this week is from 2 Nephi 2.  He quotes verse 14: "And now, my sons, I speak unto you these things for your profit and learning; for there is a God, and he hath created all things, both the heavens and the earth, and all things in them are, both things to act and things to be acted upon."  He goes on to read verses 16 and 26.  (See http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/2)
I am very familiar with this concept as I have done my own personal scripture/spiritual study on this topic.  So I was quite pleased that Lance chose this for his spiritual thought!

Lance points out that we ALL have free will, or agency.  The ability to choose.  To act or not to act.  Another way to say "not act" is "being acted upon" because if we don't act, we're allowing things to act upon us.  Because we're here, we have opposition.  We are always enticed by one or the other.  He uses a personal example of if he were to be prompted to speak to someone and chose to act upon that prompting, he would receive the reward of that action.  If he chose not to act, he would be acted upon by receiving the consequence of that failed action.  God expects us to exercise righteous action.  If we choose to use our agency for good, we will receive that which is good.  And vice versa.  We MUST act or be acted upon.
By freely choosing to be obedient to God's will, knowing that God's will is pure, we will not fail.  We could get up or give up.

He also says that 2 Nephi 2 is probably his favorite book in the Book of Mormon..."It's very powerful and cool.  Yeah, it's legit."

He ends his recording early this time because they are leaving to find a place where he could rent a cello to play at a musical fireside coming up in a couple of weeks.  He also thinks he will be able to see all the sessions of General Conference since he's in Warsaw.  He's looking forward, as are we, to hearing from the Prophet.

Warsaw Uprising Museum