Josh's mission Dec 30, 2013

Christmas was fantastic!!  I love technology!!  Without it there would be no face time with a wonderful Elder!!  Such a blessing to live in this day and age!!  

Yokwe Family!!

I love you all so much!! It was truly a blessing to see all of you. :) everyone looks so good. I feel like an hour is not sufficient at all, but it was great. Christmas sounds really good, I'm jealous that you had aebleskivers, there is a sister in my district that knows what they are and it's a family tradition for them to have Christmas day, just like us.

We had a really great Christmas. we spent the whole day with members! we have such a great ward family here. I really do feel at home here. it's great. it's amazing, like you said how fast people go from the wonderful spirit of Christ to the other end, not even thinking about what Christmas is really about. I love Christmas though, and I'm trying really hard to keep that spirit of Christ with me, even though Christmas is over.

So transfers are this week. We got a call this morning and Elder Dragon will be getting transferred to a new area, training a visa waiter. I'm not sure yet if I'm staying or not, I'll find out sometime later today. but what ever happens I know that it's the Lord's will. I'm not sure what will happen but I know that I can do what ever the Lord wants me to do. He will provide us a way to accomplish anything. In 1 Nephi 3, Nephi talks about going and doing what the Lord asks because he knows that the Lord will provide a way for him to accomplish it. I know that that is true. and I'm so glad that I've been blessed with a family that knows that as well. mom, you will do great! no matter what the Lord has in store for you.

I love this gospel so much and I love that I can help people feel of our savior's love all the time. :) and I know that by following the example of Christ we can help everyone around us feel the joy that we have as well.

We are still trying to get Carol to pray with us and come to church. and we recently have gottent 3 new potential investigators that seem really solid, Ivan, James, and Andrew. Hopefully we can start meeting with them soon. James' mom just died and he has a really great spirit. The work moves forward, I love that our Heavenly Father trusts us enough to give us his authority and power and to help other people come unto Christ. I love you all and thank you so much for your prayers. really, you don't know how much it means to me. I've realized so much more than I ever knew, that prayer is real and Heavenly Father answers our prayers, as long as we are faithful, in his own way.

Thank you again for everything, I hope and pray that all is well.

Ej Yokwe Yok

Elder Broadbent

Josh's mission Dec 23

Yokwe Family!

It's way crazy that Christmas is already here!

Yeah, there are a ton of Marshallese people here, I can't believe that I haven't told you that yet :) they are so great!! I really wish that I could actually learn it though. I'm just trying to pick things up.

Tell Janis thank you for the poem, that is really great! I definitely know that is true! the Atonement is really amazing, it's what makes everything possible. with our it, there would be no way possible back to our heavenly father and since that is our ultimate goal, there would be no really purpose to life. I've just started reading "Jesus the Christ" and it's been really great! I'm only like 20 pages in, but it's already opened my eyes to so much. I also listened to a talk given by an Elder Scousen I think is how you spell it, back in the '80s about the reason for the atonement and it's meaning. it is such a great talk. He mentions in it that Christ is the only one that could go through the atonement, not even our Heavenly Father could do it for us. Our Brother, Jesus Christ, gave everything to us. think about that... that is amazing! And we have the great privledge, honor, and responsiblity to know that this is His true gospel on the Earth today! how could we not share this wonderful message with everyone around us? It's hard to open your mouth though sometimes, it is definitely scary and not easy, but the Lord always blesses those who open their mouths to share His gospel. At this Christmas season, it's so important to focus on Christ, but what are some ways that you can focus and recenter you life on Christ even after the holidays?? Christ should be the Center of everything, He needs to be the center of our lives. One thing that I've been doing to center my life more on Christ is to share the talents and gifts that I've been given. 

So this week we were able to meet with quite a few more less actives and members than we have. I love Christmas by the way! it's such a great time of year. :) We were also able to meet with Carol a couple times. I don't remember if I told you about he, but she has a lot of problems, but knows a lot about the church. She smokes and won't come to church or pray with us, but She is really great! We've been trying so hard to get her to pray with us, we've really tried everything, any suggestions?? and she was going to come to church yesterday, but church got canceled because of the bad weather. it really wasn't that bad, kind of like a good Utah storm, but everybody was freaking out about how terrible it was. we did have a freezing rain storm though, that was way crazy. do you remember the one that we had last year? it was kind of like that. Ice every where, the roads were pretty bad and you could hardly even walk any where. the cars even got grounded by our mission pres. it was actually really cool, we were  like skating everywhere.

I love you family, I hope that all is well. Know that I really do love you and I am so grateful for you love and prayers.

Everything happens for a reason

Ej Yokwe Yok

Elder Broadbent

Josh's Mission Dec 16, 2013

Yokwe Family!

This week has been really good! We had a  great Zone conference, in Nauvoo! it was so awesome. we drove down way early and stayed pretty much all day. it was great to be there. president said that it is so special to be on sacred ground, not only is Nauvoo sacred ground, but iowa as well, this is were it all started for the pioneers.

on thurday we had exchanges with the Elders in our district and that was really great! I was with Elder Ioteba. we spent a lot of the day at a members house doing service for him, we set up this awesome christmas village, it was huge, I didn't take any pictures of it, maybe I'll do that, but it was so awesome. Then we went and tryed a bunch of people. I do have to tell you that the Lord knows better than we do everything that needs to happen. so we tried this less active family but they weren't home, so we tried a few other people. on our way home we tried the family again, because we were passing them and I figured why not try them, but they still didn't answer... so I was a little bummed, but as we were walking out the door the lady that we were trying to see was walking in, it was pretty awesome. I know that the Lord provided the way for us to see her and her family, it's the first time that we've seen them, they moved in about a month ago. It's small miracles like that that are so important to hang on to and to thank our Heavenly father for. how many tender mercies do we have that we don't notice or if we do we don't thank our heavenly father for. 

One of the best ways to show our appreciation to our heavenly father is to share what we have and what he has given us. it is so important to share our testimony and to share with others that blessings that we have. At this christmas season everyone notices the blessings from our heavenly father and I know that it's important to share them. Will you think what tender mercies the Lord has given you, thank him for them, and then express that gratitude by sharing those experiences with others?

I also have to share with you a scripture that I recently rediscovered, in alma 26:15 I think, I really hope that's right, i don't have my scriptures with me, alma is talking about how it is Christ that brings souls to eternal happiness and we are just instruments in His hands. I definitely know that is true. This his work, this is His glory, we need to be ready tools, so that he can use us where he needs us.

We've struggling to find more people to teach but I know that the Lord will bless us as we exercise our faith and work diligently. We have been able to meet with more less actives and members this week, even though we had a couple days that were not really proselyting.

that is surprising to hear about brother christensen and harrison. it always seemed like they would live forever. but I know that they are helping on the other side.  wow, dad I'm surprised that you haven't put everything up yet, :) just kidding. that's awesome that you are "upgrading" the lights.

I love you all so much! thank you for everything, thank you so much for you love, prayers, and support.

Ej Yokwe Yok ( I Love you) - I'm learning more how to actually right marshallese, I'm getting better...

Elder Broadbent

PS thank you everyone. It's nice to hear that my letters are good. :)

Josh's Mission Dec 9, 2013

Yokwe Family! 

How are things? we had a lady from our ward go to Utah last week and she said that the weather is really nice compared to here. she said that it's nice and sunny and great. It's been snowing a little bit and it's been way cold. we had one day that in the middle of the day it was 2 degrees. it's been really cold, but layers help.

things have been good, slow because of the holidays but really good. We've been trying to find more people that we can teach, but it's hard when it's so cold. we've been seeing a lot more of our members, they are really trying to help us out more. finding people that they can invite into their homes and for us to teach. We talked to carol this week and she said that she doesn't feel like she is ready to be baptized, so we are going to try and help her stop smoking and come to church so that she can feel the spirit. We found this guy, Ceasar, and he is really awesome! He is actually the son of a less active in our ward, but we didn't know that before. He's great though. We've also been having a lot more lessons with our members, which is great! 

We went to a christmas party that a member family does every year and sang a bunch of christmas songs. it was awesome. there were a few non members there and the spirit was really strong. me and Elder Dragon sang as a duet as well, in Marshallese. it's was really awesome! it was Silent night, and it was so powerful, the marshallese people do it way better, but it was still really good. 

We had a really great zone training this past week. President and sister Jensen came! it was so great. president talked about our covenants that we make. and why we make them. why do we make covenants? why are covenants important? what do they mean to you? I know that covenants are important because it is the way that our heavenly father has set up, so that we can return to like with Him. i think of covenants as goals almost. it's important to work for something, to have a goal to strive for. and even after we make out covenants, we have to live worthy of them to receive the blessings that our heavenly father wants to give us so bad. that is one thing that we talk about with people a lot. Our heavenly father love us, and he wants to give us blessings, but he can't unless we do our part. He wants to bless us so bad, he doesn't want us to fail, but unless we do our part and exercise our faith in Him, then he can't do anything. 

that's one thing that I've been working on, having faith in Christ and exercising that faith. it is so important that we show that we have faith by doing as our Heavenly father asks. In conference Elder Soares said: "Meekness is vital for us to become more Christlike. Without it we won’t be able to develop other important virtues. Being meek does not mean weakness, but it does mean behaving with goodness and kindness, showing strength, serenity, healthy self-worth, and self-control." I know that that is true. being meek is vital for becoming like Christ.

I love you all thank you so much for your love and support and prayer. you are in mine daily. I hope that all is well and that as we approach Chirstmas, that we all think of the true meaning of christmas. 

Yokwe Yok

Elder Broadbent

Josh's Mission Dec 2, 2013

Yokwe Family!

First of all, I love you all so much and it is so great to hear that you took that challenge. It was really amazing to sit down and seriously think about all of the things that I am grateful for. Thanksgiving was great! we had 2 actually on the same day. one was with a member family, we eat and then talked and they have a tradition of going bowling, so that was fun, different, but fun. then we had a Marchallese thanksgiving. tons of food and tons of people. it was really great! but I probably gained like 20 pounds. then the next day we had another thanksgiving with another member family, so all in all We had a lot of turkey!

 

Hm, so not a whole lot happened this week. We taught a pretty cool lesson with some marshellese kids. we started out teaching onw, and ended up with like 5 or 6. they just kept coming in, and as one would come in we had the other ones elplain what we were talking about, it was really great and funny. We also were getting ready for the Chirstmas Cantata, which by the way went great! so that kind of took up a lot of time. the Cantata was so awesome, I know that there were people there that felt the spirit. we had some slips of paper for people to fill out and give to us so that we could come talk to them, which worked really well, we got like 10 contacts from it, so that was great!

 

I have to tell you that the Lord works in mysterious ways. A lot of times things happen and we aren't really sure why, but the Lord knows. This week when we were giving service, we were asked to talk to this lady about her problems, basically she wanted some counceling, and really just someone to talk to. so we talked. eventually we talked to her about how the gospel can help her that we would like to meet with her, but she can't have visitors where she lives, she doesn't have a phone, so there is pretty much no way that we could contact her again, but for some reason we needed to talk to her. not really sure why though, but I trust that the Lord has a plan for us all, and that maybe one day, she will remeber what we talked about and talk to some missionaries.

 

We also talked to this guy on the street yesterday actually, as we were walking to the the church for the Cantata. to make a really long story short, this guy, nick, doesn't consider himself to be religious, but he is majoring in religion at a religious school. he is very philosophical and denies that we can find out for oursleves the truth of the gospel by reading and praying. he trys to reason and use logic and that is not how the Lord works, not really any way. The only way that we can know the truth of the gospel is to read the Book of mormon and pray with a sincere heart with really intent, and the Holy ghost wil tell us in our minds and in our hearts that it is true. I know that that is true. one thing that is kind of astonishing to me, is that there are not many people here, especailly marshallese, that have prayed about the Book of Mormon. have you all prayed about the book of mormon? have tou put it to the test? if not, will you? if you have, will you do it again? I know that if you ask our heavenly father if it is true that he will tell you through the holy ghost.

 

That is so wonderful to hear about cadin and his mom. I really hope that they continue to be faithful, because I know that we see blessings and miracles when we are. that's great that Uncle Jim is improving, I've been praying for him. I really hope that everything is alright and that he recovers soon. that is horrible about James's wife! I can't believe that. but i know that the Lord allows us to have trials that he knows we can overcome. he doesn't give us anythig that we can't handle.

 

I love you all so much. I am truely blessed with a wonderful family. and I can't tell you enough how grateful I am that you support me and pray for me and the people that we work with. thank you so much! I hope and pray that everything is well with you. Keep the faith

 

Yokwe Yok,

 

Elder Broadbent

Josh's Mission Nov 25 2013

yokwe family!!

I honestly didn't see that coming. that is so amazing that dad is the 2nd counselor.(Doug has been put in as the 2nd Counselor in our Stake Presidency) wow, my heart is just so full at hearing that. and that's so great that Marinda's dad is bishop. The Lord truely has a plan for us. I know that that is true. We are here to do His work. I love this gospel so much and I am so grateful that I have a wonderful family. Thank you everyone for being great examples and for helping me to become who the lord wants me to be. 

dad, I love you. thank you so much. I don't even have words for what I am feeling right now. I know that you will do great! I love you!! 

that's so great about caden, that's awesome that he got that answer and recognized it.(Caden is an 11 yr old in our ward who was just baptized) I was thinking about that the other day. how many times does the Lord give us an answer and we just don't recognize it? will you this week, look for and pray that you will recognize answers to your prayer? I  know that you will find them. because we have found them in the most unlikely places. We met a guy last week that had talked to missionaries before and really liked them, but had never been taught by them. He let us right in and this week we had a great lesson with him and his daughters. Bill, that's his name, is great, and I really hope and pray that we can help him with his life and help him to accept the gospel. We also have been trying to meet with a less active for awhile, Franly, but he works a lot. but he just recently lost his job (blessing in disguise?) and we meet with him and carlina, his girlfriend. they are marshallese so they don't really stress getting married. they have two kids and live together. we are helping them to be together as a family together forever. Carlina, really wants to join the church and be with her family. the Lord blesses us so much!!

Things are great! we have ups and downs, but things are slowly getting better here in our ward. the members are starting to get the vision of helping each other with the work and the ward council is trying really hard to get more involved with us. It's really great to know that the Lord has provided a plan for us and that as we are faithful, things will work out the way they need to. I've been thinking about prayer a lot lately and making heavenly father's will ours. what does that mean? to make his will ours? I know that He has a plan for us and that as we trust in that, have faith that he knows best, everything will be made for our benefit. the Lord has promised us that as we are faithful, he will bless us. I know that that is true. I know that the Lord has blessed me so much. It's so great to be here on this wonderful earth in this great day and age! 

So for thanksgiving we are spending most of the day with a member family. I'm not exactly sure what we are doing, but I do know we're having dinner with them. So this next sunday, our ward is putting on a Christmas celebration, it's going to be so great. we are actually singing in it. I'm pretty excited. 

I remember going down to DBH for thanksgiving. that was so great. that's something also that I've been thinking about. Serving others. I know that when we serve people, we think less about our selves. In PMG, it talks about how serving other will benefit not only them by the service you give, but you as well. you will feel a love for them that the savior has, charity. one thing that I like that it says is that service and selfless actions destroy envy, jealousy, self doubt, and thoughts that are harmful to your testimony. I know that that is true. 

I love you all so much and I am so thankful for you! I'm so glad that we have the gospel in our lives, I can't imagine being with out it. This thanksgiving, I would challenge you to do something that our bishop challenged us, write a list of 100 things that you are thankful for. that sounds hard but as you get going, it's pretty easy. One thing that helps is making categories and writing 10 things in each category. I know that showing gratitude is so important. Will you do that? I will, and I'll tell you how it goes next week. 

Again, I love you and thank you so much for everything. I'm so grateful for everyone's prayers especially, thank you. 

Elder Broadbent

Josh's Nov 17 Letter

Yakwe Family!!

 

 You know, I've really come to appreciate being a Broadbent. There are a lot of Marshallese people that we work with, most of them can't even say my name right, but I know that I represent two of the greatest families of all time. The Broadbents a wonderful and while everyone might get a few scraped heads, here and there (it's a good thing that everyone has hard heads) it is the way that we react to our trials and tribulations that matter. I hope that I am doing everything that I can to be best Broadbent, and that everyone who I meet knows that my family is the best. Also, I and really everyone who is baptized, represents the Lord Jesus Christ. While I might physically bear his name next to my heart, we all partake of the sacrament each Sunday and covenant with Him to take His name upon us. What does that mean to you? what does it mean to take His name upon you?

 

So a few updates with investigators. It's hard for me to remember who I tell you about, but we have had to stop seeing a few people this week. Tom said that he could no longer meet with us because his parents don't want him to. He had a talk with his mom, who isn't doing very well and she got pretty upset that he had been meeting with us. It was heart breaking, because I know that he has felt the spirit. He really wanted to continue meeting with us, but felt it was best to stop so as to keep the peace in his family. but I know that we helped him and someday he will have the courage to find out for himself that this is true and what he needs. We also stopped seeing Katina and her family, they just weren't progressing.

 

It was great though. we had an investigator at church yesterday. Pierre is his name and he is so great! He totally agrees with everything that our church is, he really loved the Plan of Salvation, and we also had a church tour with him. it was awesome, the spirit was so strong, we invited him to be baptized on 28th of Dec, but he said he couldn't because he would be out of town. He does have troubles with understanding authority, but he has so much faith, really feels the spirit strongly, and learns fast. We are going to try and get him more committed to a date.

 

I love this gospel so much! it is truely amazing how the Lord blesses us. He has blessed us so much here. The members are making plans to work with us more, so that's great. And we are still meeting with Branton, a less active and mike also less active. they both have so much desire, but lack motivation. but Branton has really been thinking about coming back, and he talked about wanting to be with his family forever. Mike is going to make goals, so that he has something to work for.

 

So transfers are this week. guess what!?! I'm staying in Dubuque with Elder Dragon and he is going to be District Leader. He was so surprised, but I kind had a feeling because our DL is about ready to leave. Elder Tekanene, our DL has one transfer left and is being transfered. I haven't really talked much about him, but he is so great. He is from the Gilbert Islands. I am really going to miss him.

 

I love you family! thank you so much for your love and support and prayers. it means so much to know that you are all there for me. I love you, have a wonderful week.

 

tomak eo kojparok

Elder Broadbent

Josh's Mission 11-12-13

First off, sorry i didn't email yesterday the library where we go was closed for veterans day. 

I love that kind of weather as well, that's basically how it has been the last couple of weeks. but we did get our first really snow storm yesterday. I was great! I love the snow and it's gonna be a great winter.

that is so awesome to hear about Karlie's dad! I can't believe that Bishop Anderson moved! is he still teaching at BL? It is so true that when the Lord wants something done, it happens...fast. We have been working with our members a lot more this past week and We are finally starting to see some improvement and success. One of our members has been talking with less actives that live by them, and they had them over for a little gathering, they also are trying to invite someone to their home for us to teach. On sunday, we had a less active young man come to church with another family that we've been working with, so that was great. and One of our Marshallese members has been bringing a nonmember to church with them. The work is going forward despite the hardships that we go through. I love how the Lord blesses us so much, He has given us everything, we need to realize what blessings he has given us and thank him for that. I was thinking the other day about something that i remember Sis Brandley saying, having a thank you prayer. how often do we thank our Heavenly father for everything He has done for us? I know that I need to do better at that.

Thank you so much for praying for Tom. That means so much. Unfortunately, we haven't been able to meet with him, he went out of town, and he mentioned that his parents don't like that we are meeting together. I know that we've done our part and now we have to let him use his agency. If we can't continue meeting with him, I know that he has felt the spirit and will one day remember that things that we've talked about. I don't know if I told you but we tried meeting with this woman, who was a media referral, from mormon.org. Well we did meet with her, Lauren is her name, and it was a really great lesson. the spirit was really strong and we felt like she was golden. We talked to her Saturday, to see if she could make it to church and she said that she wasn't ready to change religions, but that she appreciated that we had met with her and she felt like she had the tools necessary to move forward. that was really hard, because I could feel how much she needed the gospel in her life. but I know that the Lord has a way of preparing everyone to accept the gospel. It's been a huge lesson for me to learn to trust in the Lord and his time table. I know that the Lord will bless us for what we are doing here.

A great example of that is that we are working with a lot of less actives. we've been able to meet with so many and help the members become more involved. so that has been really good.

Before I forget, we had interviews with pres and sis Jensen, it was great! I love them so much, they are the best! but sister jensen wanted me to tell you mom and dad, how grateful she is for raising such a wonderful family, for being such good examples, and for helping me to be who I am. also she was wondering if we are related to Cecil B Broadbent? I thought the name sounded familiar but I couldn't remember. I guess he served as mission president after her dad in Germany.

I love you all so much and I am so grateful for you mom and dad and everyone else. I really can't even tell you how much it means to me to know that I have a family that loves me, supports me, and prayers for me and the people that I work with. I want to tell you that the best thing about teaching people is the knowledge that I have that we as a family can be together forever with our Heavenly father. I know that the Plan that He has for us is the only way that we can return to him. I was wondering, how has the knowledge of the plan of salvation affected you lives?  and what does that mean to know that we have that plan? do you feel like that is restricting? why or why not?

I love you all, thank you for your prayers.

Kojparok eo tomak

Elder Broadbent

Josh's Mission Nov 4 2013

It's been a really good week. That's awesome to hear about the scout activity. and that is so awesome that dad invited people from different churches. The relief society activity sounds like it went great as well. I told Elder Dragon that dad was a cook, so he asked me if I cooked, I said that I liked to. I tried to make an Asian dish, with pasta, chicken, and veggies, but it didn't turn out so well. I put too much garlic salt in it, and so to try and calm it down, I tried putting peanut butter in it, trying to go for a sort of Tia style, but it didn't work....

I just want to say that I love going to church. I love that it's a place that is completely away from the things of the world. there are so many distractions in the world and church is a great place to get away from that. We have a problem here with retention of members and so I just appreciate it so much. If we could understand the importance of church, we would never consider missing it. We would look forward to it and go through our week thinking about the Savior and what He did for us, how we need to improve, and what He wants us to do. Yesterday we had a lesson with a less active that hasn't been to church in a while. When he was going to church he baptized a bunch of his friends and helped so many people. But then he started working and got busy and lost sight of the important things. As we talked he told us that he knows that he needs to go to church and that he can see how happy he was and that he wants to feel that happiness all the time. He really wants to change, and I hope and pray that he does. 

 

Elder Dragon and I were talking the other day about how great Utah is. He is from Farmington, not sure if I told you that. We were talking about how there are so many people there that are LDS and that even those who aren't, for the most part, act like they are. There are just good people there. So then I got thinking about something that Brother Brandley used to say all the time, that is "do your neighbors and friends know that you are Mormon? if not, tell them."Does everyone know that you are LDS, if not, will you tell them? One thing that our Bishop has been working with the ward members on, is to use LDS terms and words in our everyday lives. When people hear us talking about hometeaching, the sacrament, going to church, or using any words that they are unfamiliar with, the ask questions. It's a great way to start conversations. Will you do that? will you let people know that you are LDS, by your example and conversation?

So Tom is struggling. He has been having a lot of back pain. He was hurt while in the military and has a lot of pain. His parents, who live near by him are really struggling as well. His dad has Alzheimer's and is having a really hard time. His mom has kidney stones and has been in the hospital for the past week. He still is struggling with the concept of God and praying. Although he did pray with us, which was so awesome! We explained to him the pattern of prayer and why it is important that we address our Heavenly Father and close in Christ's name. Have you ever thought about that? he asked who we are praying to if we say it in christ's name. We pray to our Heavenly Father in Christ's name, because it is only through christ that we can make it back to our Heavenly Father. It is only through Christ that we can receive answers to our prayers. Thank you so much for praying for him, I really appreciate it. really you don't know how much that means to me. oh, and we set a date with tom, I don't know if I told you that. He was really hesitant to accept it, but I know that he can receive his answer.

We also met with a lady named Lauren. She was a media referral. and she is so awesome! she really wants to know what our church is all about. She wants to know why LDS people are so happy. Why are we so happy? what is it that makes us happy? She has so much desire to find out for herself. She is really busy though, so that will be our biggest hold up with her. We told her the Joseph Smith story and said, yeah, I believe that could happen. She accepted the invitation to be baptized and said that if she got an answer she would do anything for it.  

I love this gospel so much! I love how the Lord works. I love that He knows us perfectly and if we do all that we can, seriously do everything that we can do, then we will bless us and make up the rest. I know that this Gospel is true. I love the people here so much and I want them to feel of the joy that comes from the knowledge that our Savior suffered, died, and was resurrected, for us! 

I love you all! Tomak eo Kojparok (Keep the Faith, in Marshallese)

Elder Broadbent   

Some pictures finally!

MTC district Oct 2013

Elder B with MTC companion Elder Harper

 In Dubueque, Iowa

Trainer Elder Dragon

District Oct 2013

Josh's Mission Oct 28, 2013

Things sound so good. and It's good to hear about what is going on. We are having a devotional for the 100 years of scouting, but we aren't really involved with it. It is great to hear of some of people in the ward trying to come back to church it is so important that they can realize that the reason we go to church is not because we are perfect, but because we are not perfect. We go to church to learn, feel the spirit, repent, and to draw closer to our Heavenly father. we have a few Less actives that have the same problem, they feel like they can't come to church because of the things that they have done. and some of them don't want to meet with us because they realize that they are not doing what they should be and they feel guilty for what they have done and feel like they can't repent, so thank you mom for the quotes, i really think those will help.

Hard to hear about those who don't choose to listen to the gospel!   We have a problem with that as well. We meet so many people that say, oh I don't have enough time, or that they are too busy. I think how sad that is that they don't realize what they could have. and then I was thinking. am i like that. do I make excuses and say that I can't do this because of this reason? how many of realize what we have? We have the restored truth of Jesus Christ. We know that He is our Savior and that we can live with our families with Heavenly father forever. We know that we can repent of our sins and feel our savior's love. Will you help someone feel that love? will you think about the many blessings that they Lord has given you and express that Love by helping someone? Please let me know what happens, i would love to hear about your missionary experiences.

Things are going good. This week has been better. We were about to meet with a couple member families and talk to them about FFT's. I don't remember if I told you about that, but it's that the members need to be Finders, Fellowshippers, and Testifiers. but hopefully that will continue to progress, because i know that we can not do this work with out the members help. We have talked about sharing responsibilities, the missionaries and members. we are all missionaries and we need to be to help everyone feel and know of this wonderful message that we have. 

I don't know if the missionaries there have this problem, but we have a hard time getting meals and lessons with the members. will you invite the missionaries over for dinner some time and have them teach a lesson? 

our area is really big. it covers only half of the ward boundaries though. we stay mainly in Dubuque because we don't have the car every week, we share with the sisters in our ward. so we don't get to see most of the area. we live in a really compact neighborhood. the streets hear are crazy. elder dragon described it like this, it seems like a blind man drew the layout of the city. that's exactly how it feel. it's not a bad neighborhood though. the people are good. there are some crazy neighborhoods, near by though.

thank you dad. I really appreciate that. i love you so much and i am so grateful for your example, love and prayers. 

that's really good to hear about Chad, i've been thinking about him. i hope that he gets better. and that's crazy about candice! (I mentioned to Josh that Kandice - who is Nicaragua - cannot drink the water there and they don't have bottled water, so she has to drink soda, which she isn't fond of.  I told Josh because he isn't a great fan of soda either) 

I love you all so much and I am so grateful for you. i am so blessed to have a wonderful family who loves me and who can write to me. One last thing, will you pray for our investigators and our ward. we have a few investigators that really need help right now. we committed one guy, Tom, to be baptized on the 30th Nov, but he doesn't think that he'll be ready. He is really struggling. He has so much desire though, it's amazing. He wants to find out if it's true, but he doesn't thin he has the faith. and he doesn't think that he has ever gotten an answer to his prayers.

again, I'm grateful for you and your love. I love the scripture in Moroni where it is talking about charity, "Charity never faileth. wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail - but charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever...wherefore pray unto the father with all the energy of heart, that ye may have charity." I know that that is true and that we can have charity for everyone around us, if we do the things that the Lord has asked us.

Love

Elder Broadbent

Josh's MIssion Oct 21, 2013

Things have been pretty good. We've been able to meet with some really great people the last week. We met with a man that has been a member for some time, but he has to work a lot, so doesn't come to church and when he can come, he finds an excuse not to. He knows that the church is true and he has great desire and faith, but for some reason he lacks the will power to endure to the end. He really is a great guy though. We also met with another less active who is Marseilles  works a lot, and doesn't really understand English, but the lesson that we had with him was awesome, the spirit was so strong. 

We have a new investigator as well, his name is Tom. He is really curious and has so many questions, but he doesn't really want to be baptized right now. The first lesson we had with him we talked so much about his life and what he's been through and we also talked about how we know that the gospel will bless his life. it was really great. We also met with an older couple who were taught back when blacks couldn't receive the priesthood, so they weren't baptized, but they are so great. Last night we stopped by just to make a return appointment and they let us right in and gave us dinner. and we talked with them for a while, it was really great and I hope that they will see that making time for the gospel will bless them, that's what they really struggle with, and hopefully we can rekindle that fire they had before.

Thank you for the letter from trudy's daughter, i've actually been think what are some things that I need to change so that the Lord can work through me better, and I know that that was my answer. thank you so much family for your love and support. I truly am blessed to have such a wonderful family who is so strong in the faith. 

this past week we have been talking about how we can get members more involved and we are going to call and talk to a bunch of our members to teach them more about missionary work. What can you do to further the work of the Lord? Our mission President has a little saying that we are using to help the members, it's FFT's. We need members who Find, Fellowship, and Testify. will you all Find some that you can Fellowship and Testify to them of the truths that we have? and then invite them to meet with the missionaries? 

I love you all so much and i really am grateful for all of you. A scripture that I really love is D&C 101:16 " All flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God" I love that! this week I have been really working hard on being still and listening to the Spirit. I love you, thanks again for your love and support.

Elder Broadbent

Josh's Mission Oct 14, 2013

Hello family!

It is so good to hear from you. I really can not contain my joy to hear that all is well with you. I wish that I could have gotten to call you at the airport, but I was the Zone leader and had to make sure that everyone else got to call before I did and then there wasn't time, but that's okay, I can wait till Christmas. I love you all so much and I really am glad that things are good for you. the house looks great! that will really be awesome when it's all done.

This week has been great! I'll just start at Wed, because before that not much happened at the MTC. So Wednesday when we arrived in Iowa, Pres and Sister Jensen were waiting for us at the airport. they are so great! they have a wonderful spirit about them and really remind me of family, Uncle Steve and Dave and you as well dad. and sister Jensen is has a lot of energy, i know that I will come to love them more and more. On thrusday, we drove to Iowa City, we were at the mission home in Des moines, for transfer meeting. we all got together and I met my companion for the first time, elder Dragon. I instantly knew that we would work well together, have our challenges, but that we would be able to do the work the Lord has for us. We live in Dubuque. it's right on the Mississippi, on the east border of Iowa. our ward covers a lot of ground, but there aren't that many members yet. a little less than our ward i would say. it goes about 20 miles in to Illinois and the 40 back into Iowa in a square. the bishop is great. 

When we got home, my first lesson was with a former investigator who wasn't keeping commitments, but is really nice. an older gentleman that can't walk and feels like he can't really do what the Lord want's him to do because of it, but hopefully we can help him to understand that he can. we've met with a family that is really interested in the gospel and we're hoping will be baptized soon if they can come to church and quit smoking. smoking is a huge problem here in dubuque, so many people smoke. elder dragon and his former companion didn't have much success, for what ever reason, but him and his trainer did and e. Dragon wants to get back to where he was at before, with his trainer. we are going to try and really work with the members, because they have a hard time really committing to missionary work. they have the desire, but need help know what to do. so we will help them. 

Just a few things that I should tell you:

when sending letters or packages make sure to send them to the mission home. the address is:

Elder Joshua Broadbent

Iowa Des Moines Mission

8515 Douglas Ave. STE 19

Urbandale, IA 50322- 2924

packages should be sent first class or priority. not us UPS or FEDEX. and Christmas mail should be sent by DEC 15.

It's already starting to get cold here, but the weather is really nice. during the night though it gets cold. 

I love you all so much. I really can't tell you that enough. as you go throughout this week will you each try to do something better? will you try to serve someone that you haven't? and will you try to find someone for the missionaries in the stake to teach and give the referral to the ward mission leader. I know that the only real way that this work will continue to progress is through the help of the members. 

A quote that I love from general conference is "doubt your doubts, before you doubt your faith." I know that that is true, and I know that as you keep your faith centered in Christ, He will bless you. 

I love you all so much,

Elder Broadbent 

oh, one thing that I forgot to tell you. there are a lot of marshalese people here, people from the marshal islands. we actually have a marshalese speaking elder in our district. and I've already learned how to say hello and an expression of frustration. hello id yakay (pronounced yag way) and arare ( i think that's how you spell it) ( that one is hard to explain how to say it's like are rawr)

Josh's first two letters! Sept 26 and Oct 2 2013

Hello everyone!!

Well I was going into withdrawals not having Mary's letters - and truthfully I was a bit worried that Josh's letters would be - well quick and not so inspiring - well boy was I wrong!!  I don't know if he will keep this up but the first two letters are great!!  He wrote the first one the day after he got to the MTC but didn't mail it until the 30th - so we received two letters in two days!  I'm pretty sure he won't be able to write next Wednesday because he heads to Iowa that day so it will likely be more than a week before we hear from him again - oh well!

Please let me know if you do not want to keep receiving these emails!

I hope you are all doing great!!  Thank you so much for all your love and support!! 

Laurie

Sept 26, 2013

Dear Mom, Dad and family,

I made it through the first couple days!  Everything has been so great!  I have a wonderful companion, Elder Harper.  I can tell already that he is going to be an amazing missionary, help to me and blessing in my life.  He is so on top of things and pumped to do the Lord's work.

   The Spirit here is absolutely amazing.  It's like nothing I've ever felt before and I love it!  I want to tell you that I was anxious as we pulled in the parking lot and down pass the swarm of missionaries, but as soon as I stepped out of the van I felt a calm and reassuring feeling from our Heavenly Father.

    I am just so excited to be here doing what the Lord wants me to do.  Yesterday as I lay down for bed, I marveled at the day's events and how much I've already felt the spirit bless and help me.  And all through today I felt different than I have have.  I can already feel a change within me and it is awesome.  I feel like I should tell you about the investigator that we met today and that we will be teaching.  Dale is a great guy who has a lot of qualities.  He feels like he doesn't know what he should be doing.  He doesn't have the greatest of families and doesn't believe in God because of that.

   It made me realize how blessed I am to grow up in the gospel and to know that I have a loving Heavenly Father.  I am so grateful to you, mom and dad, for teaching me and helping out family to keep the spirit in our home.  Thank you all for your great faith, testimonies and prayers.  I really do love you and you want to know what?  I love Dale already, so much.  He is a wonderful son of our Heavenly Father.

    We've talked a lot about how I am doing what Christ would do if He were here.  It truly is a blessing and a privilege to bear His name as well as our family name over my heart.

    I really can't even describe how I feel right now.  This is so natural and it feels like I've been out for at least a week.  Not in the sense that's it's taken forever, but that there is no way I've experienced all of this and done anything I have in only 2 days.  It's unreal but amazing!

     I know that this is right, that I am here right now for a reason.  I know that what I am doing is real and that the spirit's teaching real people.  I love this Gospel so much and I already love this work, so I can't wait to have that feeling in the field.  One thing that the Branch Pres said is that "You think you have a testimony?  Do you have a testimony?  I know you do.  By the end of this 2 weeks that testimony will grow more than you could imagine."

   I love you all!!  I love this Gospel!!  I know Christ lives, that Heavenly Father loves me and everyone!  I hope that I can feel that love for the people that I teach.  I love you and thank you for your support.

                      Love,

                           Elder Broadbent

Oct 2, 2013
What a wonderful week. As I'm sure you've noticed, my p day is Wednesday, but I'm not sure if that is how it will be in the field. I don't know if I can express the love that i feel from our heavenly father and the help that he has given me already in the past week. It has just been so amazing and I've realized just how much I need the spirit to really do His work. I hope that this makes sense, but I feel like i have been here for more than just a week. i feel like I have learned and grown so much in the last week, that it's hard to believe that I only left last Wednesday  Just think about it, I think that the reason for that feeling is because I have never learned so much and felt like I have grown in such a short amount of time. 

I just want to say thank you for being such a wonderful family. I have really felt your prayers of strength and comfort. I love you all so much. 

alright so I just want to tell you that I know that the lord puts us exactly where he knows that we need to be. My district is amazing! they are the greatest bunch of elders and sisters! they all have such strong spirits and I know that we needed to be together at the beginning to really kick us off good. One of the sisters, sister Malloy, was having a hard time the first few days, she got really sick and she asked if we would give her a blessing which we did (awesome by the way!!) but she was still feeling homesick and that something was wrong at home, she was thinking that she needed to go home, but on Sunday she did a complete 180 degrees flip and she is now helping all us more than she will ever know. at the beginning we all decided that we didn't want to have the plateau effect that some missionaries feel, and we almost did, but I know that sister malloy is the one that will keep us from having that and that she will help all of us to reach the higher standard that the Lord wants us at. 

it has just been such a great week and I can't tell you enough how much I love everyone already, how much the Lord has helped me, and how I know that this church is the the true gospel of Christ. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. He did see God the Father and His son Jesus Christ. He translated the Book of Mormon through the power of God and I know that the book of Mormon is the words of God through His prophets. I Know that Christ loves me, I know that he suffered, he bled, he died for me and that He was raised from the dead three days later. 

We had a devotional yesterday with elder David a Baxter (he came to our Stake Conference a couple of years ago -L), he is so awesome. I want to share something that He said " we are the Church of the New Testament, restored. We don't use the cross as our symbol because we follow a living Christ. we do not believe in a dead God." have you ever thought about how the LDS church doesn't have "symbol". If we did, what do you think it should be? oh, and he also brought up a lot of questions that I really felt like we will have to answer. will you all think of a question about our church that you want answered and pray about it? I would like to hear about it in your next letter.

i love you family. so much. you have been such great examples to me and I know that as we all continue to keep Christ as our example and to live as he would have us, that we will be blessed. I really do love this gospel so much and I can't tell you enough or express to you through words how much I love you.

One more thing that I need to tell you. At the beginning of the week, we were talking about a missionary in the field that was have such great success. He went from dead area to dead area and everywhere he went, there were baptism after baptism. Finally, his mission president came to him and asked, "why are you having so much success? what are you doing differently?" the elder said, "whenever i knock on a door and someone answers, I picture them in baptismal clothes and that helps me to get them to the waters of baptism" later we were talking as a district about that, and Elder Harper (my companion, I told Mary that already) said that his motivation is his family. He will picture his investigators as his own family and feel the same love for them as he has for his family. I went a couple of days thinking about this. and I felt like I needed to have my own source of motivation. I know that I am out here because heavenly father needs to be, but I felt like I needed that reason to wake up in the morning and continue with the work. my purpose is to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. that is my purpose, but I needed a reason. and so I went and prayed with that question. what is the reason for me to get up in the morning, why am I here? the reason that I really did it is because we had a teacher take us to the chapel and say that this is holy ground were we will receive revelation. I really liked what she said, expect revelation, expect and answer. and so I prayed and I expected an answer. I asked, what did Christ do for me? He died for me, he gave his life for me. I asked why? because he loves me. that is my motivation, I will do anything, literally anything to bring others to Christ. I will give my life if necessary. why? because I feel the love that Christ has for everyone and I have the same love. 

I love it out here so much. I love you all. thank you for everything that you do for me. 

Elder Broadbent

Mary's final letter

Barev Family!!

I'm so glad that this week was good! Even if average, it is a blessing! The Lord is so good to us.  Especially when we take note of the blessings in our lives.  I love the quote you sent Mom! Imagine, if the members needed to slow down then, how much more we need to slow down now! When President Carlson had just come, he advised us all to take some quiet time each day to just listen and ponder.  I think we constantly must check ourselves and reevaluate.  How are we doing? Are we listening to the Spirit? Do we hear it amidst all the noise?  If not, what must we change?

This week has been full of miracles-it is SO wonderful to be a missionary! To be representing our Savior.  I feel blessed beyond measure.  It is still unbelievable that I'm going home.  It still feels like something that will never happen.  This is my home.  How can I leave it?  There are just a couple of the miracles that I want to share.  First is a family that came to church yesterday.  We met one of the sisters a couple of weeks ago and we've been able to meet with the family a few times.  During one of our recent meetings, as we were chit chatting at the beginning, we asked if they were going to come to church, one of the sisters,  Zhana, said, "I don't know" then turned to her husband and asked.  He didn't even hesitate to say yes.  He then said they had work to do, but that they would all make the time to come to church for at least the first hour. (And they came!!!) We continued with the lesson, and towards the end, they all accepted baptismal dates! Miracle!! We were SO happy! Then, as we talked with them after church, Sister Henriquez asked if they would come again and the husband said "Of course!"  Miracle! They are so willing to act! And he is such a humble man, with a kind heart.  I can't wait to see them make the changes necessary to help them prepare for baptism.  I can't wait to see them baptized-what a glorious and happy day it will be, as it will open so many more doors for them, so many more blessings will be given to them because of the gospel! And there could be no better thing for their family than to be a part of the gospel!  This week we've also started to see such a change in Mariam and Arayik-they are still struggling with the Word of Wisdom, but they at least acknowledge that it is a problem and an addiction.  I think seeing the change that comes into peoples lives, seeing the light of Christ fill their eyes and countenances, and seeing the joy and peace that comes into their lives is one of my favorite things of being a missionary.  It is so hard to describe, but there is a literal, physical change.  And it is amazing to be a witness to such a change.  Truly, there are so many miracles that come because of the Atonement.  Jesus Christ is our Savior.  I know it.  He has suffered all for us, so that we might change and return back to our Father.  This is His church, restored in it's fulness.  I testify that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, it is such a powerful witness of our Savior, and it is evidence that Joseph Smith was a prophet, that He saw God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.  I know President Monson is a prophet of God, that through him, Christ leads and directs His church.  God is our Father, He knows us and He loves us.  I know He hears and answers our prayers.  I am beyond grateful and will forever be grateful for the time the Lord has given me, that He has taught me to love His children, allowed me to feel so much joy in service to them, has allowed me to learn from the kind and generous hearts of these people, and has given me the opportunity to draw nearer to Him and our Savior.  His work is so grand.  I wouldn't trade my time as a missionary for anything in the world.

I'm not sure what else to say.  I hope you all have a great week! And I guess we'll see each other on Friday (that is if I don't accidently get lost in some airport and make my way back to Armenia :)  haha, if only....)

I love you all!!! You are so wonderful!! The BEST!!! I am beyond grateful for all your love, support, and prayers! THANK YOU!!!!

I love you!!

Metz sirov, 

Quyr Broadbent  

A last picture of Yerevan

Mary's mission 12 Aug 2013

Barev marev Family!!!

Sounds like a pretty good week! I love the temple.  And I can't believe that Joseph will be 12 so soon! He'll be able to go to the temple! YAY! That will be so wonderful! 

I'm a little sad to hear about Bishop Jones.  I love that man.  He is my friend and I always felt so much love and acceptance from him, even when he called me Mary moo cow.  I feel at peace, especially knowing that he and Margean are together again.  It will be different to not have either of them in the ward, but I know it is all part of our Father's glorious plan.  He truly knows all, is a part of all, and is preparing a place for each of us in His kingdom.  How grateful I am to know of His plan and to feel of the peace that knowing brings!!

One of our investigators, doesn't have a marriage licence, so she can't be baptized.  Her mom has asked if there is a way around that; we've told her we'd do all we can, but that in the end, she still needs the licence.  It's interesting how people think that we can get around the commandments and order of the church, as if there are exceptions.  Somehow, I don't think the Lord allows for exceptions or for excuses.  Perhaps I'm wrong, but I think as we learn from the scriptures, that the law is given, in essence so that there can be righteousness and happiness.  If we go against God's laws, we simply bring misery into our lives.  The commandments are given for our protection, our happiness, and our growth.  Obedience is the foundation where we can build our faith-for if we know that God loves us and understand that He gives commandments out of love, then even when we don't understand the why, we can go forward and keep the commandment until we gain a testimony of it's importance.  It's like it says in Ether, "There is no witness until after the trial of your faith" or as it says in John "If you do the will you shall know of the doctrine."  Our faith, knowledge, and understanding cannot grow without action.  How can we help our investigators and members to understand this?  To act?  I know that as we teach and testify under the influence of the Holy Ghost then they will make decisions under that same influence.  I feel like we strive to teach with the spirit.  Honestly, I've been trying to be more aware of those little thoughts and feelings and I've been trying ever harder to follow them, and yet it always feels like a fight to help our investigators to use their agency in ways that are pleasing to the Lord.  I can only imagine how much the Lord truly loves us to allow us to choose-to grant us according to our desires.  Wow.  His love is incomprehensible.  I am beyond grateful for the time that I have here, to feel of Heavenly Father's infinite love for each of His children.  Sister Henriquez and I were talking about that a bit the other day, how sad it is and unfortunate for those who choose to not serve missions, because they miss out on feeling that love and on gaining an understanding of the reality of His love and plan.  We are so blessed! Beyond measure!

I love you Family!!! I hope that all is well, that everyone is safe and healthy! Have a great week! Keep your smiles on and continue to be lights and examples to those around you! You are the best! I love you!

Metz sirov, 

Quyr Broadbent  

Mary's Mission 29 July 2013

Barev im sireliner!!!!

Oh how I love you!! YOU ARE THE BEST!!! Thank you for being who you are! I could not feel more grateful to have you! Kind of funny, the other day I was chatting with one of our other sisters and she was talking about how she feels that she loved her family before her mission, but she has gained a more deep and real love for them since being here.  I couldn't agree more.  I can't begin to explain how much I love and appreciate you! 

I feel I am in denial that I am going home.  I know it's coming.  I know it has to, that the Lord has alotted us a specific time to serve, and it's all a part of His timing, but I can't believe that it is actually coming.  It doesn't feel real.  I read a scripture this morning from Moroni that reminded me about diligence in preaching repentance, that is what I am seeking.  I look around at these people, these precious children of God, whom I love so much, and my heart just feels like it will burst!  They need this gospel and they have no idea what they are missing out on!  It is such a privilege to bear the name of our Savior, even more of a privilege to have it engrained in our hearts.  I hope His name is engrained in my heart.  Is it engrained in yours?

I don't know what to say about the week, it was so good! As always, the Lord blesses us so much!  We had a couple of beautiful girls baptized and they are so anxious to do good! Both have already expressed desires to serve missions!  We are hoping and praying that their mother, Nelli, will come too.  We've been working with her for a while and she is just struggling.  Sometimes agency is such a challenge, yet such a blessing.  I know the Lord is a part of this work. It is His.  We are each His children and He loves us so much and is so merciful! Sister Henriquez and I were just talking about gifts of the spirit and how the Lord blesses us each with gifts of the spirit, and then allows us to seek more.  So neat.  He sets no boundaries on what we can become, with His help.  

  All of the Aunts and Uncles look so great! It must have been wonderful to be all together! Congrats to Ali, Jodi, and Nicole as well as to Melissa! So exciting! And that is so neat about the great family history work that Josh and Beth have been doing! There is nothing better than doing their work and binding them to family for eternity!  The temple is such a miracle! 

Have a great week! I hope Joe and Dad have a great time :)

Thank you for all your love and support! Be sure to give my love and gratitude to all family and friends! You are the BEST!!!!!!

I LOVE YOU!!!

Metz sirov, 

Quyr Broadbent

Barev Marev Family Jan!

Aroghjutyun Dad! I hope everything is OK! I am SO happy that you were able to go to the Carters' and that you were able to talk with them.  Now you've seen a small glimpse of how wonderful they are.  I can only imagine the amount of people there.  The Carters are special people! I love them and miss them! 

As Sister Henriquez and I were going through our actuals and goals last night, I was just filled with an overwhelming gratitude for the Work of the Lord.  He blesses us so much.  I can honestly say that anything that was accomplished this week was because of Him, I feel like we do so little and somehow miracles happen!  He is so good to us.  Now that I am sitting here, I'm not sure what else to say.  This may be a short one.

We had Zone Conference this week and it was wonderful.  I love how the Lord constantly teaches us and molds us.  I hope and pray that I can be all that He wants me to be.  Pres. and Sis. Carlson shared a story about the pioneers at Hole in the Rock and they shared with us how there are round marbles formed in that area through weathering and time.  Like the refiner's fire.  Often times I think we get caught up in the difficulty of the moment or the misery of it, instead of remembering the joy that the Lord wants each of us to have in that moment as well as remembering how the Lord is sanctifying and purifying us through the experiences we are having.  I feel I've learned, both through experience and observation of others, that what we face and how we feel about it is all dependent on US.  On our attitudes.  I love the end of D&C 122, how we are reminded that all things are for our good and that we are not alone.  And we are not exempt when it comes to facing trials and living the commandments.  Christ has descended below it all.  I feel that we often think, "oh, I'm me, no one else is like me, so I'm an exception to this rule"  But it's not like that.  We are ALL God's children.  He loves each and every one of us.  Individually.  His commandments apply to all (no matter where we are or how busy we may be).  As does the need for each of us to walk by faith in this life, even when we do not understand or see.  Sometimes it's not for us to understand, it's for us to press forward, joyfully doing what the Lord asks, with the knowledge that He knows best.  He loves us.  His hand is a part of our daily lives.  This is His work.  I know it.  

I love you!!!! You are the BEST!!!  Have a great and safe week!

LOVE YOU!!!!

Metz sirov, 

Quyr Broadbent