Three Weeks' Update - Oct 11th, 2006

Okay everyone,

  Here's the deal. I have no time to write a "normal" length update. So here you go. My stab at summing up three weeks as quickly and concisely as possible.

  Three weeks ago, I had an interview with President Hacking. While in the interview I had a huge epiphany! A paradigm shift! It was awesome! I realized something that had been holding me back as a missionary and from reaching my full potential as a man. I realized that far-too-often, I wait on those who I'm with to take action and then I support or modify that action. I know how to be a leader! I've done it before. And I realized that I had, somewhere along the line of life, switched back into follower mode. I hope to change that.

  After interviews, there was General Conference. (two weeks ago) That was amazing!!! General Conference (for anyone who might not know) is the chance that we have twice a year to hear from the Prophet and the Apostles. It is really neat. A very spiritual experience. I went into conference with specific questions in mind and I was pleased with the answers I received. What a blessing to have a living, breathing prophet on the Earth today. Here are just a few of the notes I took. (I took a WHOLE BUNCH!!! So, when I say "a few", I mean it)

• We need to always express gratitude.
• "Am I trying to serve God without offending Satan?"
• The Gospel gives us knowledge! And because we have that knowledge, THAT is why we cannot be happy when we sin!
• God can help us learn lessons in time of personal sorrow and tragedy... If we let Him teach us!
• It is ultimately IMPOSSIBLE to be offended when YOU choose not to be. It is a choice!!!
• Honesty is worth any cost!
• Protect, teach and love all children. Not just your own.
• You cannot teach that which you don't know or live!
• The children are worth your effort!
• Blessings flow from doing your duty!

Well, like I said; I took a lot of notes. Most of them I took because it was something that I wanted to remember that the speaker said. And some of the notes I took because I thought to write it down even though it wasn't at all related to what was being said. But they are all important to me. (even though they might not be to all of you. but that's okay, this is MY update. *wink*)

Last week was transfers. Elder Downard went to finish his mission in Marshall, MO. That's code for: "middle of nowhere!!!" He's happy there and I'm glad for him. My new companion is an Elder Lewis. He was actually my Zone Leader for a time while I served in the Park Hill war in Derby, KS. I like him a lot. I'm trying to keep his head in the mission field by not asking him about home very much and things like that. He's got a pretty good head on his shoulders but I know that he won't hold up as well as elder Lokey did. I look forward to serving with him. This will be my second "kill." (kill = serving with someone their last transfer) Some people have started calling me the "executioner" but I think I like the other one starting up: "killer" I like that one because it was my Dad's call sign in the Navy. (An obvious nickname when your name is "Keller." *smile*)
We'll see what happens with the name thing.

Yesterday. We tracted into, probably the most awesome tracting find EVER!!! Her name is Rachel and she ws asking us a TON of honest, sincere questions and actually accepting the answers!!! We'll be going back on Friday so PLEASE say a prayer for her AND us. We need it!!! That would be so exciting and just what the ward needs to get super excited about the missionary work again.

Steven Turley is still doing well. He's committed to pray about baptism. We challenged him last night and he said he'd pray about it. So, obviously, my prayers are also with him. I love that guy!

And now this part is specifically for my family but feel free to read on and join in...

*clears throat*

"Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday dear Angelique and Gaelen!!!!!!!!
...
*gasps for air*
Happy birthday to you!"

YAY!!!

I can't believe that you two are already one year older than you were one year ago! (lol. I'm so funny, I know.)

I love you both with all my heart and I want you to know that if I was there, I'd give you both a big, FAT hug! (And Angelique: Now is when I'd go out and buy that shotgun and a basball bat! *wink* -do you remember what that's for?)

I love you all and I thank you for all that you do for me and my brother.

Take care and know that you are in my prayers.

Your Son, Brother and Friend:
  ~Elder Garn Mosiah Penrod

P.S. Tomorrow is my "hump" day. That means I've been out for a whole year! YIKES!!! That's crazy! ...bye.