April 9, 2011

Dear Family,

it seems more often than not that we have trials...yea it stinks. however, i hope everyone gained some guidance and strength from the past general conference. i like melissa, managed to stay awake through the whole thing this time. it was an awesome experience. Here are the main things that i pulled from general conference: The little things are important such as our actions or the outcome of something, but more important than temporary success or achievement, or even failure, is who we ARE! we need to not worry about everything going right 100% of the time but that we BE who we need to BE in order for our lives to progress how they need to. Next, how we progress in life is rarely a fun process. Most of the time it comes through trials, tribulations, sadness, adversity, none of which are things that i seek after. however, we need to be grateful for the opportunity that we have to grow through these experiences and we were even counciled not to protest the experiences that are from God that will help us grow into the people that we become. Pain is a part of life, and life is hard :(. However, Proverbs 3...verse..7 or 8? whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth. When trials come, know that the Lord is very aware of your situation and what is going on. He lets us stretch to first off, grow in our potential, and also to show that we will be faithful in all things. Last, one of my favorite topics that was addressed all over the place was desire, conviction, and our internal push to serve others. Serving 24/7 for the last little while has given me a new appreciation for the power of service to the one giving it. I've never had more joy, happiness, contentness, stuggles, heartaches, and troubles than when serving. It's the best of both worlds. When we help others, we truly are only in the service of God. If we don't feel the need or desire to help others, pray for charity and try to look at others as we would look at our family, ourselves, and our Savior if in need. that's something that has helped me come closer to truly serving with charity and the love of Christ. Here is a video of highlights from General Conference! Check it out!
This past week has been yet another ball of awesomeness. monday we had zone leader council and i'm not sure if i sent anything home after that.... but it was really good. so tuesday was good tons of appointments. we met wiht a new investigator who's really solid and has been sincerely reading and praying. fun stuff. wednesday we helped bead for life, a non-profit unload a ton of beads and stuff and they bought us snarfs subs, so good. more lessson had stake ward visits and gave a training to the stake high councilors on how to invite, i think we have another one coming up soon. we have a meeting with the stake prez each week...so hopefully he'll let us know sunday. thursday were district meetings and then lessons. we had a member bring a friend to a plus one just with a couple of questions and he left committed to pray and find out if the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I love people who are seeking truth and guidance. Friday was a lot of lessons and some really fun tracting. Tracting in boulder should be like a tv show lol. the people you meet are awesome. And this morning has been Elder Blumell taking the ACT and me drawing and sleeping and now emailing. We're going on a hike for PDAY and then weekly planning! dun dun dun. So i love you all i want you each to know how much i love you! Never give up never surrender! Elder Allred ------ Here are some pictures (sorry he didn't give me any captions with them) ~Nettina