Monday Sept 29, 2014 - Studying, packing for Kirkcaldy, sports and having tea!

Hi Everybody as you all know I moved to Kirkcaldy Ward this week. My companion and I opened up in Leavenmouth this week and it has been several days of chaos, and Stress, But that is expected when Entering an area that none of you know anything about, Buses, opening a new flat, figuring out everything. It has been trying but it has been a learning experience none the least. This Work is Non- existent at the very moment right now but, As we get our barrings in order and Begin with our plan for our area Things are looking up for the Coming Week.

My studies this week, I focused on studying more in the Book Of Mormon, and Learning and application sections in Preach My Gospel, and have been trying to recall alot of my training area and what we did to further the work in Dublin.

I have been studying in Mosiah 16- 22, and have gained some valuable insights, one Of them was just how much we truly to covenant with Baptism and how we are held accountable to it. Also it showed me how much difficulties they went through when being in bondage to the Lamanites and the tactics and strength that had to occur For Limhi and his followers, and how instead of fighting all the time they used their brains and Once they had the lamanites coming against them again, They went forth among them with no weapons and the lamanites were pacified towards them and chose to return back to their land with their king. It also taught me to never judge, As the Lamanite King judged Limhi and his forces and went against them to war because he believed Limhi's people abducted their daughters, he attacked, and many of his forces were slain since the Nephites were protected and knew of the attacks. As we watch and Keep our armour and our defenses strong we will not fall to anything.

I also learned of the bondage and afflictions that had to be over King Limhi's people and because they were in bondage they turned to the Lord and he was slow to hear their prayers because of their iniquities but he did Begin to soften the hearts of the Lamanites to ease their burdens but the Lord did not see fit to deliver them. As we are in iniquity we fall short, but through the mercy of the Lord we can be forgiven and be aided but God is not used as a repairman, As we Maintain that relationship with him we strengthen us and everyone with us, and are closer to his help.

I was also studying Thessalonians 1-5: I learnt that we should be giving thanks continually in our prayers for everything that is given to us whether it be difficult or not.  We are also to strengthen our brethren who have fallen and have strayed or that have less faith then us. When we teach his word we are supposed to teach in a holy manner, we never want to decieve, or command others to do the things we want them to be doing.

In Preach My gospel I studied Chapter 9 and 13:  I learnt about just how important it is to use the members and strengthen them in this work. As we tract it isn't very effective because I know in my own life I wouldn't answer the door to someone knocking on my door, However as we build relationships with them and strengthen one another we become powerful.

My week this week was crazy, 

Monday we cleaned the flat and packed, Then had a family home evening which was really fun. Played some extreme table Tennis and hung out.

On Tuesday said goodbye to lots of people and had alot of appointments. Got to see some of the people I haven't seen in a while and got to say goodbye to alot of the members I have gotten really close with. Had a book of Mormon class and got to say bye to them as well. 

On Wednesday, We had P-day, I was in Dundee and we played Football, Basketball, and did some service there, We then Went out on Splits with Chinatown and came together to meet our companions. I picked up my companion at 8:30 and headed to the Zone Leader Flat. We Spent the night in Dundee and then Thursday we headed to open our new area

Thursday we had alot of things to do with trying to start up the area, Clean the flat, get food, Get all of our things, and get to know the bussing and the area. 

Friday We had coordination meeting and met everyone and did finding and organizing of our ideas and then we had a Ward activity where the members were learning a Scottish Dance called Strip the Willow, I took notes :P 

Saturday was a day of finding, and tried setting up appointments.

Sunday was a good day, We met alot of people, and got invited to a few places for Tea. Which is nice. We then went finding later in the day and Tried by a less active they werent in but 20 minutes later we got called to come for our Tea, which was nice. They were really nice. We also were invited for Dinner and got to know some of the members near us. It was a good Day.

Look forward to a busy week of finding and Relationship building love you all

Elder Reece Out

Live Long and prosper

- Elder James Reece

Monday Sept 22, 2014 - Whitewashing in Kirkcaldy! District meeting/lunch, castle visit and investigators

Hiya Everybody, As the title says I am moving to..... Kirkcaldy Ward

I will be quite sad to see Perth going, but it was for the best, The work is going well and I am excited to see what continues at this point in time. So apparently my new Companion according to my recent companion is from Ohio and has been out about 15-16 Months so that is exciting. We will be Whitewashing the area because we are opening it, so that is exciting. The Lord must see something in me that I don't see. 

Well So this week in Studies Read over more talks again,

I read Consecrated Missionary once again my Tad. R. Callister, since lately I've been slipping up a bit so to refocus my mind on obedience. 

There was a part talking about how you must be obedient in ALL that you do, which really hit me. If you want to be obedient, you have to be willing to obey all the rules, and as I was writing that the quote from Joseph Smith Prophet of the Restoration, came into my head. "Laws are meant to protect us, if you want to be free you need to be willing to live all of them, I'm sorry but you have to pay the fine"

This morning as well I was studying Becoming a Preach My Gospel missionary by David A Bednar- mission presidents seminar And in this talk it spoke alot about How we must listen and allow the spirit to take control. Listening is a crucial part in all we do, and in the talk it says that if we try to show off ourself and our abilities when teaching the gospel, it is as if we are in a form of priestcraft.

I did however get to prepare instruction Which Was Fun, to be able to instruct on Listening and how important it is when Teaching. I was feeling down for some reason early in the week but I am good now.

So this week was a good week, good instruction good studies.

I am going to be better at recording what I study in future posts okay.

So this week was fun

Monday we went into Dundee for Sister McKerry's last P-day, we ended up going to Broughty Ferry Beach and it had a castle as well which was loads of fun, played games on the beach walked in the ocean found a jellyfish, had a blast. Afterwards I wa son exchange with Elder shubin in dundee and we met some kool people, We talked to several people and good all around city centre and met a few chinese people which was Nice. It was a good exchange, 

Tuesday, We went to District Meeting, as I said earlier we all gave instruction to each other on our teaching skill we were assigned by Elder Patterson and me and him did Listening, It was good instruction. After that I was on exchange with Elder Liao, and because we had appointments we had to go fast to Lunch. We had a district Lunch at a place called City Harbour 6. 50 For all you can eat buffet, plus it was sister McKerry's last District meeting so we celebrated. After that Elder Liao and I came back to perth, and  had some good lessons with our investigators, Overall was good , we taught Ashleigh the Plan of Salvation, and she was excited about it and we read the Book of Mormon with Beth, Members. We signed each other's T- Books and chatted. 

Wednesday was our last day at British Heart, Well mine at least. I said goodbye to them all  not knowing I was leaving, we will be stopping in again to say bye today. Afterwards we met up for a teach but it didn't happen, then went out to Newburgh it was fun, we climbed a hill for our lunch break, then went to a less actives, there was no man available so we called bishop and he showed up which was amazing. Then got to have dinner with a cool family. We then had choir Practice and that was funny. Overall good day.

Thursday, we had a good lesson with William which was nice,  then we went out to McDonald's for lunch, Elder Patterson's card wasn't working so because their machine wouldn't accept his card he got free Lunch :P Talk about miracles. It was fun then for once we actually completed Weekly Planning on a Thursday :) Wahoo

Then We had a few more good lessons, and a young man came to teach with us which was fun then we were treated to dinner at a nepalese restaurant, It was delicious.

Friday Was a great day,

We had some Finding in the morning then went to see Eleanor and her friend was there so we shared Abide with me which was nice, got to say goodbye, Then went to see Beth and that was good as well, abit of confusion, but she is understanding

We then got to meet with Sam and have a testimony meeting, unfortunately he had to go back to Glasgow :( But he was awesome. We then got a lift out with friends  to our dinner appointment so we wouldn't have to bus it, and had a fun expeirence with the sat nav taking us the wrong way but it was fun, Then we went and brought Sam with us to see a musical created by People in dundee and it was a church musical called Catch the Vision, it was excellent, one of the members in our branch was in it so it was nice to support them. However we had to stay the night in Dundee with little money, but it was good.

The next day Aimee had a coffee Morning (No Cofffee) For cancer fundraising so we went to support her and alot of people form the church came, we ate cake, chatted, and strengthened relationships. It was a good day  We then had a day of finding, tracting and street contacting which was nice unfortunately no potentials yet but takes time :) 

Then yesterday, we got photos with the members in anticipation to moves calls, and I was the last one to recieve my moves call, which came at like 9:40.

And as you know I am whitewash opening a new area in Kirkcaldy, so that is exciting.

Love you All

Live Long and Prosper 

Elder Reece Out.

- Elder James Reece

Monday Sept 15, 2014 - A short but good one, with 4 pictures!!

This week has been incredible, To Start it off We were able to hit 11 joint teaches with a branch of about 30-40 active members so that is absolutely incredible to see the work that can happen.

As usual let's talk about the studies, all of a sudden my brain went blank, so bear with me.

I think I started off studying about prayer and revelation. Yeah I am quite sure that is what happened.

I was using True To the Faith, and looked at prayer and revelation and how to receive these things from the Lord so that was good. I received a lot of things I have received in the past but it is always good to know how to receive revelation and the different forms in which it can come.

Next I was reading the Book of Moses in Pearl of Great Price for zone interview training. We were asked to prepare a 10 minute talk without notes on how the fall created the need for the atonement. As I studied Moses, I found out more about the atonement, more about the fall and was able to understand better the stories of Moses.

I can't remember what else happened. My week though was fun

This week we had 11 joint teaches and had great lessons with all we taught, had a good time met some new people and saw some people we haven't seen much.

My brain is fried I apologize.

Next week will be better.

We are going into Dundee for P-day also so can't write too much

- Elder James Reece

Monday Sept 8, 2014 - As he says it - this week had sadness, annoyingness, miracles and joy!

So Hi everybody reading this,

You may ask how was your week and to be honest it had everything in it. It had sadness, it had annoying things, miracles, and joy. It has been a rollercoaster of a week. 

First though as always begin with studies. So this whole week I have been focusing intentively on Virtue I wanted to know what it was and how to gain it because I really enjoy in Doctrine and covenants 121 Where it says let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly" and I wasn't sure what it means to be quite honest, It is a hard topic. And virtue is used differently in different situations as well so it confused me. Well I studied Virtue and at our zone meeting we talked exactly about it, Virtue doesn't change by one decision however it is a compund of many small decisions which control the way you think, and I have been taught and in my studies have found alot that lately your thoughts depict what you do, So even if your actions are good but thoughts are bad your actions don't lead to virtue. It is all part of your thoughts, and I was trying to apply it to when you are changing a behaviour, Say for instance stop swearing. Well it is easy to just not say the word but the behaviour changes more when You change your thoughts so that the words don't even come too you. Interesting isn't it. I thought so, well my study took me into Sacredness, which then lead me to modesty. 

So when I studied Sacred, it referenced holy and purity which shows me that with virtue it gives unto us Pure and holy thoughts, which then with our virtue being pure gives way for us to recieve revelation. In Preach my gospel under Virtue in Chapter 6 It says that are minds are like a stage and there can only be one person in the spotlight at a time and if our minds are not fulll of wholesome thoughts well then the darkness droops in, but we are counseled to sing a hymn, memorize scriptures, Those kind of things to keep our thoughts virtueous.

So after Sacred I went to Modesty, and as I thought it would, it referred to our manner of dress, however the thoughts talked also about being modest in thought action and dress. Which I really liked because When we are modest in all of what we do then that is when Virtue can truly garnish all of our thoughts and actions and that we will be able to hold and use that unchanging scepter of righteousness promised to us in Doctrine and Covenants 121. Modesty was then used In true to the faith and that led to chastity and marriage, and then temptation and fasting which was interesting. I love how the church focuses so much on chastity and I can not remember the Verse it was but it talked in Moroni about I think the nephites taking the daughters of the Lamanites and taking that which was most precious unto them which was chastity and virtue. Which showed me just how important they are. We are commanded to be chaste so that our bodies and our thoughts don't control us, we are to control them and loss of chastity can lead to other things which can cause destruction , can alter relationships, cause for affection to be replaced, and it can harm your Virtue.  So I thought that was interesting.

That was my studies this week and now for my week.

So this week we had alot of stuff, We had alot of Dinner appointments which was nice but we also had alot of dropped appointments. Satan has been hitting our investigators all pretty hard this past week with health so it's been a struggle but eventhough we had alot of drops we were able to find a few people who we have started to meet with now who has NO belief at all in Jesus Christ and God but are curious to find out so that was a nice little miracle we experienced this week, One other thing that was kind of frustrating for both of us is that we had exchanges planned but all week our other team was sick so my companion scheduled the exchanges twice the past week and they had to cancel them so we don't have much time today because we are going to do them today. But this week has been a learning experience for sure.

I love all of you and 

Know that I know that God has a plan for each of us, he knows us and guides us in our lives. 

Check out Isaiah 42:16 I really enjoyed it.

Live long and prosper my friends

Elder Reece Out.

- Elder James Reece

Monday Sept 1, 2014 - Understanding pray, a special investigator passed away and his personal growth.

Hey Everyone,

I am excited to talk with you all this day, This week has been very trying and it has been difficult. There is no doubt about that.

Well let's first talk about my studies this week. 

I studied in Preach My gospel this week in Chapter 4: Recognizing the Holy Ghost. 

As I read through that section I discovered some things.

One thing I discovered was  that in order to be saved we need revelation. I thought that was interesting, that revelation is that important that it is necessary to be saved in the Kingdom of God. I also found interesting that REVELATION for ourselves is VITAL for each of us, because if we don't have revelation we are just going by what everyone else Says, but the only way to recieve truth is from God and his holy Spirit that testifies the truth of those things unto us.

I also learnt that Prayer is needed to have the Spirit and that the Spirit is needed in our prayers, which I thought was interesting. I thought before that we pray to ask for help, we pray for thanksgiving, but I didn't truly see how the Spirit actually guides our prayers and helps us if we hearken to it to align our will with God's. Prayer allows us to ask for things we need, ask for things for others, be thankful, become closer with our heavenly father but also to allow us to feel answers that come from him. 

When studying about how to recognize the Promptings of the Holy Ghost it states how we are to listen softly because the spirit will not shout or shake us with a heavy hand but it whispers to us and if we allow it to it will guide us. However in the world today there are so many things that deter this effect that take away from this guide and that dull your spirituality, Recently I have noticed that Satan doesn't pull you away but he does try to lead you away little by little, even if it is just staying abit longer at a dinner appointment, or taking abit longer getting ready, or starting your study a few minutes later. These little things give him power, and I don't know about you but I do not want to give him any power over me. But if you are not watching and praying often you will be led away. And to be honest in this area I have slacked off abit in my prayers, I used to pray several times a day and pray everytime an activity or location changed from what was planned or which was planned but here i have stopped doing that as much, So I know for myself I need to improve. Ask Yourselves how many times do I pray? Why Do I Pray? and then think about it, why are you praying, why are you reading your scriptures? 

Yesterday in Priesthood- Relief Society meeting our branch President Invited us to study the scriptures but he emphasized one important point which I would like to emphasize. And that was Why? Why do we do it? We should not be doing these things because we are told too, or it is expected of us, but we should be doing these things because we want to, we should be going to church to be changed and to become better. A month or so back we had a zone conference, and in that conference we talked about how our meetings should not be called meetings, but they should be revelatory experiences. We don't go just because it's what is expected, WE SHOULD BE CHANGING AS TO A RESULT OF WHAT IS LEARNED.

I also thought that one of the sections was interesting it is called A WORD OF CAUTION, which kind of made me scared abit and through reading it , it emphasized that not only should you pray for inspiration, but make sure to logically do it as well, confirm it with scriptures and teachings. For example a Primary president won't recieve inspiration to tell the Bishop how to do his responsiblilities. 

I thought that was interesting.

This quote as well from President James E. Faust "If worthy, we are entitled to recieve revelations for ourselves, parents for their children, and members of the church in their callings. But the right of revelation for others does not extend beyond our own stewardship."

That really helped me because some times I feel obligated to correct behaviour I don't deem fit from others, but It isn't my reponsibility to do so, maybe at one point it might be but right now I know that the only thing I can do is be an example of the believers.

I have also been studying in the New Testament and analysing Christ's teachings to work to become like him and this past week I just noticed some blessings and the way some of his questions are asked and how I can learn from them. I love the promises given in Matt19:29

"And every one that hath forsaken houses or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or Children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall recieve an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life" I love the blessings." ALWAYS REMEMBER!!!!!!!!!!

Now onto my week, this past week has been interesting, As you heard in my last message we had zone development on Monday and it was fun, I hurt my toe and after further examination, was happy to hear that it was just abit of soft tissue damage, I am so greatful for that, thought it was weird though because the doctor told me to walk normally eventhough it was very painful. So I did that. Tuesday we had a usual Tuesday, it was a good day but unfortunately in this week we had a few pretty big cancellations which hit us hard.We were able to have alot of good lessons this week and are giving some people abit of time at the moment to decide and to ponder about baptism, so that has been nice. Thursday we had a good lesson with an investigator, he has been doing very well and is progressing nicely, he is very humble which is nice to see , when you know his difficulties so that is a nice treat. He had a question though, with his accident after it alot of friends left and he was wondering why that was, so it is a great question, I Know that heavenly father gives us challenges to not only challenge and build us but also to test others.

We had two opportunities when we were on a bus talking where two people engaged us in conversation and asked us about our church and told us they see us alot, so that was a cool experience. And that is what happened this week.

One of the members that we visited each week and came to care about alot, ended up passing away this week, so that took a toll on Elder Patterson and I and it has been hard but I am so greatful to know that in God's Plan we can be with our families forever and see each other again. So greatful for temples and the eternal plan of Salvation. 

I know that this life is the life to prepare to meet God, and this life is the time to perform our labours and to make choices that will shape our eternal future. I know this church is true, I know more then ever that through hard times Jesus Christ has suffered through these as well and can succor you as well as you experience them, I am so greatful for my savior for all he has done for me, I am not perfect and I am far from it, I sin , I make mistakes but I try to be better but sometimes, tempations so easily beset me, and they cause me to grieve, but just like Nephi, I know in whom I trust and that is what keeps me going. 

I love you all and know that this GOSPEL is TRUE. I encourage all of you to strive to come to find this eternal truth out for yourself. 

Visit Mormon.org if you have any questions.

I Love You,

Peace be with you this day. Trust the Lord.

Live Long and Prosper,

Know that you all mean the world to me, and are in my prayers.

P. S If anyone has anything that they would like me to find out or are struggling with send me a message and I will do my best to learn about it for you.

Elder Reece Out.

 

- Elder James Reece

Tuesday August 26, 2014 - Listening while teaching, reading the Ensign, 113 out for a baby blessing and a broken toe!!!

Hey everyone, This week in Perth has been a good week. Unfortunately my memory isn't the greatest today SO you will have to bear with me.

So in my personal study this week, as you know I have been going through Preach My gospel. And this week we were studying Chapter 10 on Teaching Skills, and there was a few that stood out to me at this time. #1 For those who know me quite well will get a chuckle out of this but it 's LISTENING. #2 Teach for understanding,  #3 Use the Scriptures.

So as many of you may think, all thee of these are what we should do everytime, but anyone who has served a mission can probably attest to, sometimes when teaching lessons you teach, but we are to be teaching others through the scriptures.The scriptures testify of Jesus Christ and are a pure vehicle of the spirit and the use of scriptures are unbelievably powerful. As I was studying it I found that in my teaching, I use scriptures sometimes, but a lot of the time when teaching about the restoration specifically, I will teach it myself, but I have urged myself to try to use more scriptures in my teaching so that they can feel the spirit much stronger. 

As far as listening goes, it is very important to listen because 1: it shows them you care, 2: it helps them build trust, 3: they feel you are actually there for them. Everybody wants to feel important and as a teacher you must listen to understand what the needs of those you are teaching are. When I was young I had ADHD and in school I would get distracted very easily, so as a child in elementary school they would seperate me specifically from the other students, so that I wouldn't be distracted from people. The teacher knew this would work because she listened to me, I was a very independent person at that young age and always felt like an outsider so I was able to work better by myself, off from the other children. Listening is VITAL because as in Preach my Gospel We are promised that if we listen, something that is said will highlight an aspect of the gospel in which we can share and bear solemn testimony about. As we Listen we invite the spirit into the lesson, because we illustrate we care.

As far as teaching for understanding that one is pretty self explanatory however, I have learned that we as teachers need to be able to simplify our message and understand it so well that we can explain it in plain ways to help those we are teaching understand it. You can not expect someone or even have someone be able to gain a testimony of the book of Mormon or prayer or any other aspect of the gospel unless they understand what is being taught. Always follow up and see if people need you.

Along with those aspects I learned of more effective ways to include members in the teaching, and that is by helping prepare them. As we effectively work together with our members we will be strengthened and uplifted. As all three of us work together in unity, it will be more effective for both of us and we will all be benefited by it, us by helping our investigators, the members will feel empowered and the investigator will be supported and build trust.

So along with that aspect of my study I read several talks in this months ensign which were really good. There were two in the YSA section of it which were really good, "He said no and yes", and "Live on this Land?" I think that is the name of it, and then there were a few talks one was "Be of Good Courage" it was about a military person, and  another one about Light can't remember the name of it but it was really good.

So for this week it has been chalk full of excitement, not really but it was good .

So today I will summarizes it all in a paragraph, Taught some really good lessons. We had the opportunity to help offer a blessing to one of our investigators which was fun, went on an exchange with Elder Stewart learned a lot and had a very good day. Went out to a place called the Carvery which is like a traditional roast beef dinner. Had some great lessons, met some nice people.

We also did very well with getting members out and incorporating a lot of them so that was nice with our small branch, to see the possibility there. We also had a baby blessing on Sunday which brought out 113 people for it so our little branch building was filled to the max, it was awesome.

Also Yesterday was Zone Development had fun, EXCEPT, I might have broken my toe. Will be getting it checked out. It is nasty but I will attach a photo if you would like to see it.

Well love all of you

Live long and Prosper

Elder Reece Out

- Elder James Reece

Monday August 18, 2014 - Search, Ponder and Pray!

This past week was a good One had a lot of fun with it being Moves Week, My companion and I are staying together so excited about that and have learnt alot this week.

As always Let's begin with Studies.

So As you Know from district Meeting a few weeks back, We got invited to study Preach My gospel chapters one per week. So this Past week we Studied Chapter 5: The Book Of Mormon and it was very exciting and solid information. I learnt more about the importance of the Book Of Mormon and how to be able to help others recognize the Book of Mormon as the word of God. I was also wondering why the Book of Mormon, Why do we need to focus on it. And Simply it is because It contains the fullness of the everlasting gospel. As we Read from the Book Of Mormon and teach using the Book Of Mormon, investigators will feel the holy spirit testify to them that the book is true. And Once we come to know the Book of Mormon is true well then everything comes to say that the church and everything we believe is true, because If the book of mormon is true that means Joseph Smith is the Prophet that restored the gospel to the Earth.

I know it to be true. I invite all who read this to continue the Invitation given to us in Preach My Gospel and to continuously use the promise given to us in Moroni 10: 3-5, "Behold I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall recieve these things and ponder it in your hearts. 4. And when ye shall recieve these things, I would exhort you that ye would Ask God, The Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you by the Power of the Holy Ghost.5. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things" 

As you continue to read and ponder and to pray about the Book of Mormon and the truthfulness your desire to read will increase, your light and truth will increase, and your testimony will deepen. I urge all of you to use Preach My gospel and study chapter 5, and you can come to know in your own life about how the Book of mormon will help you answer questions, how it will help strengthen you and how it will help you recieve personal revelation for yourself. Our church revolves around Revelation and the source to recieve revelation is the Book Of Mormon. If you want to know what the Lord wants you to do well, all you have to do is seek it out through ernest study and prayer of the Book of mormon.

I know that the Book of Mormon is true, I know that it is inspired translation of the plates of gold and brass that the stories were inscribed of, And I know that if any of you do what Moroni invites you to do you will come to know just like I and millions of others that this church is true. I witness these things in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

In my study as well, I have been focusing on the fact of REMEMBRING. It is something that comes up over and over again through all the scriptures and it always says remember that your fathers have done this remember that the Lord helped you with this, and I have been pondering and thinking hard about why we remember and as I have I have thought back to the times on my mission that I have had difficulties and what got me through those difficulties?

Remembering the Lord in those times, remembering my potential, remembering the blessings and miracles I have seen in my own life and the life of others. Remembrance is amazing and so important.

In doctrine and covenants section 6: 22,23 have really helped me understand better about this principle.

" Verily, verily I say unto you, if you desire a further witness, cast your mind upon the night that you cried unto me in your heart, that you might know concerning the truth of these things.23: Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God?"

This verse has showed me the importance of listening and remembering back these things. I know that it is true. For example if your parents give you an answer are you going to continue to ask them for the same thing? No you are not.  That is because you have already recieved an answer.

I remember a time when I was struggling on my mission and I was praying to know if the Lord was even there, but didn't look back I just wanted to recieve an answer, and as I was praying again and again not recieving an answer a thought came to my head to turn to my scriptures and that thought came because I remembered a friend of mines testimony about how he recieved his answer from the scriptures, and right there it told me I am supposed to be here the Lord showed me again something I already knew and spoke peace unto my heart through remembering.

As I have been working with Less Actives as well one of the most powerful things we can do is to help them remember WHY they joined the Church, how they felt when meeting and learning and what made them choose to join. And as they come to reflect on those things for themselves they see how much they are missing and what they desire most and that is to follow Christ.

So as part of my exercise on Rememberance I have started a notebook, while going through all my district meetings,zone interview trainings, zone conferences, personal revelations from my scripture journal and been looking first off at Commitments I have been given while on exchanges and so forth but then looked deeper into Improvements I have ever needed to make and see how I have changed certain things and grown up and the started looking at Goals and Strengths. So basically I ran a SWOT analysis on my mission and by doing so have seen how these things have impacted me and how my weaknesses are becoming strengths just like what is described in Ether 12:27

"27. And if man come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."

The Lord truly does strengthen us as we turn to him, he makes our weaknesses become strengths and I invite all of you to go back and think of examples in your own lives where you have had weaknesses that as you have trusted in the Lord he has strengthened you. I know you will find success and see your own growth by doing so. 

So along with my studies we have had a good week this week.

On Monday we got to clean the house nicely, and learn more fully about the strength of the spirit in clean places.  It was nice to clean it Good, we then got to go for TEA at a recent converts house and have a good lesson about the Spirit in Family home evening with The spirit being able to guide us in darkness. ( you take a bowl of water, sprinkle pepper into it then ask someone to stick their finger in without getting pepper on it) it doesn't work then you use soap on the finger and stick it in and it repells the pepper away.

On Tuesday we had a chalk full day, we had the chance to finish tracting the street we were tracting then had the priviledge to see our investigator, We had a great lesson about the Restoration and reading it from Joseph Smith history is just so powerful. we Also taught our book of mormon class which was very good, and had the priviledge to learn and discuss it to strengthen our testimonies and theirs.

On Wednesday we went to St. Andrews, (the place where golf was invented) and saw the golf course and the ruins and tower, it was magnificient. I do have photos and they will come. One of the members took us out and we had a great day of bonding and strengthening with them, it was such a great experience and Elder Patterson is a golfer so he almost lost it. :P But it was overall a great experience. I got to partake of my first chippy, so that was incredible. 

On Thursday: We had a pretty crazy and busy and tiring day, we did alot of administrative things and had the priviledge to Try by and contact some less actives and see if they were interested in coming back, unfortunately they weren't but it was nice to meet them. We lended up in the evening going out for 20 minutes and following the spirit and it led us directly to where we needed to go to find an investigator we were directed right to their street and as we were directed to her street they pulled in and we went to talk to them. It was incredible.

On Friday: We had district Leader council which was fun because zone leaders invited us district leader companions in to the meeting so we could be apart of it, we talked largely about how a leader's area is to be a model area and we are all pushing hard to do exactly that. We then had great lessons with Aimee and another investigator it was nice to see them both,

On Saturday we had a great day, Several solid lessons and were able to feel the spirit strong with them. We have also been focusing on largely on the setting return appointments and we are excited for this week since we already have most of our week booked. We had good lessons and alot of success.

On sunday: We had good lessons at church and the message this week in Priesthood was on bringing up our children in Light and Truth. So it was a really good lesson. We then went for dinner as usual and I was able to do some family history while Elder Patterson prepared for his district meeting, So that was exciting.

So in the following e-mail will be pictures from St. Andrews.

Hope you all have a great week, and enjoy yourselves, 

Trust the Lord, he Trusts in you

Live long and prosper

Elder Reece Out

LOVE YOU ALL MORE THEN ANYTHING.

- Elder James Reece