The ABSOLUTE(ly) Best Christmas

     In a long pause from the writing scene, mostly due to lack of ambition and a lull in productivity, I am realizing that I am failing myself in this front. I am not in communication with lots of friends and family, and I tend to be more of a recluse than I had been in previous years, but I feel that I am happy. I am happy to know that I have a beautiful and outstanding wife that loves me and compliments me and my personality, one whom is capable of loving the world and those around us with a supernal Christlike purity. I am happy because I feel that I have direction and a goal, though it is still a ways out from achievement it is still one that I can measure and progress towards gleefully. I am happy because it is Christmas time, and even with the absence of actual bells of Christendom ringing through the air, I can feel the joys and tolls in knowing that Christ was born into this world to save us from sin and break us from the captivity of the evil one.

     This Sunday I was sitting in Church when a friend was teaching a lesson, and he pointed out something that was quite poignant to my soul, he stated that the world seems to refute the idea of absolutes. His example was in law that all things "depend", this led me to remember as I was learning French and hearing over and over from my MTC instructors that French has no absolutes, and then also the countless times when people would ask me moral dilemmas on my mission and I would escape with that very same legal response of "it depends." That thought irked me something fierce because it reflected to me that I had missed an actual opportunity to bear solemn testimony on the things that are absolutes in this world.

     Take a moment and think for yourself on the things that will have the desired outcome eventually, because absolutes, just like anything else, do not deal with you deciding the time table. A simple examination of an if-then statement would help clarify this. For example, if we are to obey the commandments of God then He is bound to His promises ergo we will be entitled to the glories, beauties, knowledge, power, priesthood, and wonders that await those good and faithful servants. This is an absolute, there is no power in heaven or hell or earth that can change the outcome of this. The circumstances of a disobedient child do not negate nor change this promise, it is true for all of those that are obedient unto the fulfilling of the commandments of the Lord. When this is extended to God's children there are no exclusions from the recipients, the demands are the same, and there is the same help, aid, and guidance to all those the implore for the companionship of the Holy Ghost.

And he said unto the children of men: Follow thou me. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we follow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the Father?

And the Father said: Repent ye, repent ye, and be baptized in the name of my Beloved Son.

And also, the voice of the Son came unto me, saying: He that is baptized in my name, to him will the Father give the Holy Ghost, like unto me; wherefore, follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do. 

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism --- yea, by following you Lord and your Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel. 

 And I heard a voice from the Father, sating: Yea, the words of my Beloved are true and faithful. He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved. (2 Nephi 31:10-13,15)

  
     As we watch the world around us, and the portrayals of the world through media and deprecating propaganda, we see the bitterness that fills the hearts of man. We can see the fear that exists in the unknown, the sorrow and anger from those that feel hurt and betrayed. We see the terror that plagues the innocent because of the wicked. We can see the good hearts of men, women, and children failing because they know not where to turn for trust and strength. In the world today we have the war of words and tumults of opinions that demand for the blockading of borders and doors so that those suffering suffer moreso for the sins of their brothers and sisters. The derision that we extend towards those that have played no part in the cruelties of the world. In viewing such atrocities being carried out, how can we continue to contribute to them?

    We have been taught to love one another, to turn the other cheek, to kneel when it is to hard to stand, and to give to those that are needy, hungry, poor, and helpless. We have been taught to do the best we can with what little we have been given because the things of this world are not where are hearts are to be placed. As we get closer and closer to Christmas, it is not merely my words that ask this of you all, it is the world around us that is plummeting into chaos and darkness that screams in agony for your help. Together we should be asking, what more will I do to help?

     I promise that as you sincerely and humbly extend yourself to the task, though feeling stretched and thinned because of it, the Lord will endow you with the power and strength to do good. Remember that the Lord is the gift that will give people the hope and promise of salvation, of eternal peace and prosperity. One simple testimony, one fervent prayer, one sincere act of generosity can change the world far more than that monarchies and parliaments around the globe. Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. He has come to rid the world of the sins we commit, but we need to believe in Him, show our love through our faith and obedience to His commandments, and then shall we aid in the accomplishing of the work of God.

Wedding Jitters

Life
WEDDING JITTERS

NOT REALLY A BAD THING

Definition of my “Jitters”

We enter the situation with the idea that jitters are bad, but I’d like to feud with those that believe that to be. My wedding jitters stem from anticipation, excitement, hope, joy, and love. True there are aspects that stress me out, but those are so insignificant in the face of the prospects of an eternal future with the woman that I love.

Reasons of Hope

I am grateful to the in-laws for taking so much of the brunt of planning and preparing this wedding for Vanessa and I, they deserve far more credit than I can state and I’d rather not sing their accolades at the present. There are so many moving parts in the preparation of a wedding, and synchronizing these things is a talent in and of itself. I am glad that there is such a wealth of experience and advice from those that surround us that they offer so freely, even when we don’t always wish to hear so. There is never anything so spectacular as the nature and character of selfishness being put aside when others begin to aid you.

Luke 10:25-37

25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?

27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.

28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.

29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?

30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.

31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.

33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,

34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.

36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?

37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

There are so many wonders and adventures before us, and I do not mean that this wedding was an evil that befell us, but it is a burden nonetheless. This burden that so often these us drained and helpless, knowing that we alone would never muster the strength to achieve the beautiful outcome we so desire. There are adversities and trials in everyday life, things that would crush each of us, but as the Lord and Savior taught, we are to lift one another’s burdens and help those around us in pure Christlike love.

Beyond the struggles ahead lies the repose of knowing that we are not alone, that there are others that will give us their strength as our fails, as our frailties become ever more apparent we are endowed with the manifestation of the power of God through those that love us. There is no greater reason to hope than to know that God is there for us, and He sends His ministering angels when we are in need.

Don’t Think It Is Cheesy

Sometimes we get weighed down thinking that the goodness of people is their own doing, and maybe it is, but what does the goodness merit? The goodness is the righteousness of the people and it glorifies the Father. Testimonies may be lost, faith may be unsure, but there is nobody that can take away the creations of God. God created righteousness, love, and goodness so that we might know Him. As we do good, even the most Lilliputian of things, we glorify all that He epitomizes.

Priesthood Definitions

Robert’s Journal Entry

September 18, 2015

Hello World,

First, isn’t today wonderful?! Also…

I am starting to explore different formats and fun ways to try and present my writings, so bare with me as I do so.

I started college, a few years later than most, but with a conviction that I will find a path for me. I am doing it through the wonderful program offered through Brigham Young University - Idaho called “Pathway.” It offers students a unique way of learning through an independent study program, but working in tandem with missionaries and instructors to allow you to stay focused and successful. Anywhosit, the purpose of my class is to learn, obviously, but it is through exploring my thoughts through journaling and questioning the things that I observe, hear, and learn in the program.

Yesterday, our wonderful missionaries asked me if I could define three key things in correlation with the Priesthood: Priesthood Keys, Priesthood Power, and Priesthood Authority. I will now try to do so in my own words, this is before I have looked anything up and is solely based on what I have already learned and encountered in the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Priesthood Keys - To me, these seem to be directly related to task, ordinances, and actions that we must fulfil here on earth. These keys represent the dominion entrusted us by Heavenly Father. It is given to the president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to hold the keys of this dispensation, and he is then tasked with the delegation of these keys to local authorities so the aforementioned tasks, ordinances, and actions of building up the kingdom of God are administered.

Priesthood Power - This signifies the endowment of ability and talents to fulfil the work of God. This power is given to both men and women. We know that it is by priesthood power that the world was created, and clearly it is a power granted unto men to continue in the stewardship of multiplying and replenishing the earth for example. However, there are specific powers that are meant to be maintained in their sacredness by living worthily and righteously. Childbearing is the greatest of these examples. It is a power extended to all men, but not all men do it with the divine sanction of Heavenly Father. Power comes from obedience. The priesthood power is the obedience to God’s commandments and being instruments in the fulfilling of our responsibilities.

Priesthood Authority - This is related to the responsibility given to each of us to fulfill duties. A missionary is given the authority to teach and testify with power by their Stake President and Mission President, but this lacks the power behind it if the missionary chooses to not live worthily and obediently. Authority is the responsibility, this is middleground between power and keys because it is this authority that represents the specific task that you are instructed to accomplish. Hometeachers are given the authority to teach those under their stewardship, Bishops and Stake Presidents the same. The authority means that the proper key has been given to you, and now you strive to obtain the power to implement and achieve the desired results in the kingdom of God.

I am sure that I will gain a better understanding of these principles as I go on in life and more fully utilize each of them, but for now that is the basic knowledge that I can express. I feel that there is always something out there to learn about the gospel of Jesus Christ, but it also seems to me that there is a large essence that is strictly personal. Behind the clear light of God’s love for each of us is a relationship that words will never capture and cannot be expressed to this mortal shelf.

I have been an instrument in the Lord’s hands before, I have been mended by other tools in His hands, I have been loved, I have loved, still nothing can say it better than:

16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

19 We love him, because he first loved us. (1 John 4)

Lots of love,

Robert

My Life: Mucky and Mired

My Life: Mucky and Mired
Robert Haggard

Here is what should have been said yesterday, a day that in time fades, but at present is pertinent to life. Yesterday, one of the greatest and woefully dreaded days, marked one year since being back from my mission. Time has been kindly cruel and cruelly kind to me over the past year. Joy, bitterness, discovery, loss, glee, sorrow, hopeful, despairing, jovial, miserable, monumental, minuscule, and before draining the dictionary, it has been fantastic! Inevitably the day would dawn where life continued past the point of imagining, where the prospect of infinite dawns is now shadowed by yet another span of eternal mystery before us. Yesterday was a marker of something unimaginable upon my departure, and yet as of today it was just another day. A seemingless unimportant day in the week, a Wednesday, the middle of someone else’s work week, someone’s birth, someone’s death, someone’s crisis, someone’s happiness, a beginning, an end, and for me, it was my monument.

Iconically it stood as the epitome of accomplishment, that I had served the Lord, that I had made it this far and had put my shoulder to the wheel. Dismally it marked the path of what was behind and made the journey look difficult and long ahead.  Once more, it was just another day. I worked, I played, I stressed, I loved, I overcame, I submitted, and I once again made it through to the next day, today. Despite all the troubles that befell me during my mission, despite the sewers of the world that figuratively and literally I must wade through, I stand here once more. I stand on the precipice of another day, another life, another eternity, another beautiful testament to my Heavenly Father’s love for me. All of this because I have pressed on.

The MTC taught me a few things, or more than a few as the roots rested firmly in the soil of my soul and mind, but it taught me an inside joke as well in the Referral Center of new missionaries as they are being dropped off into the wild world of the Missionary Training Center, the joke, “Day One.” A marvelous sight beheld by us veteran as the new missionaries embark on an adventure around the world, but for some odd reason, they are lost in the few acres that reside in Provo, Utah. All the mysteries, awe, excitement, faith, and miracles that await them around the world marred by the fear that encompasses them in those first long hours.

A pillow soaked in tears for the loss of home and family, eyes affrighted when you know not where the bookstore is, and minds bewildered when the languages of the world collide about you. So, once more, “Day One” was something I had learned, experienced, mocked, and embraced, but it was never something I imagined would happen again on September 16th, 2014 as I left the terminal in Los Angeles. There before me was the world, a whole new world, a new fantastic point of view. Fear seized my soul, terror shrank my heart, and I set out to find out who Robert would be this time around.

You see, the funny thing about it all is that I would never have imagined the joy and love that would soon fill my life. I had returned to a place that I would never have dreamt of being home to me, back to the filth that had always been my dread. Anger, hostility, irreverence, disdain, ignorance, and discontent accompanied by the profane rants that echoed the corridors. A spiritual high, the land of bountiful as my mission was, to the land of desolation as my new home was to be. Now I was to remain along the edges of the tranquil moments to transcend the mortal buffetings to once again commune with my Father whom I so longed to receive counsel and direction from.

I began to write a book, one that would emphasize the plan of happiness that Father created for us all. I explored the depths of my understanding to figure out the purpose of life, the meaning to our being placed upon the earth, the requisites to achieve the eternal destiny promised each of us, and where I was to trek next in this temporal sphere. I made some progress, but the tempests and whirlwinds of life distracted me from accomplishing that book. One of my goals in life is to write and publish a book, a book that is my testimony of the living word of God, and allow others to know why I believe. It saddens me to know that I haven’t finished that book, but it also helps me realize that a book has an ending, perhaps now isn’t the best of times to place my testimony as a “finished work.”

I fell in love. I met the girl of my dreams, and the girl I continue to dream about day in and day out. My soul was coupled with one so sweet and tender that I decided to marry her, and I will be marrying her for time and all eternity October 3rd. She sustains me, she uplifts my spirit, and she is one that I will strive to be worthy of and to love endlessly. There is a longer story of pursuit of that love, but she tells it a bit differently than I. She encourages and uplifts those around, she testifies through word and deed, she expresses love for Heavenly Father in ways that would astound you. I am lucky to be her companion throughout the obstacles and hurdles that so often befall us here on earth.

So you see, in the year since I have been home I have learned one simple principle that I will continue to teach others, obedience to our Father brings us joy and hope. I have had many moons to regret any disobedience on my mission, an even greater amount to regret any disobedience in youth, and now I am collecting my moons to testify that as you listen to God’s voice you will become perfect. You will taste of Christ’s perfect love for each of us. You will gain an appreciation of the everlasting and infinite atonement wrought by our Savior. You will understand that He lives, that Jesus is the Christ, and that there is ALWAYS a brighter and better day ahead.

With all of my heart I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the only path on which we can stride to return to the presence of Heavenly Father. With open arms our Father awaits us, tearfully and joyfully the obedient will inherit the long awaited reunion, and we will become joint-heirs with Christ.

The title of this post is “My Life: Mucky and Mired” which is misleading. My life, the beautiful and precious gift that it is, is one that will be washed and cleaned if I continue to love the Lord through my actions, thoughts, and desires. Obedience isn’t solely avoiding the bad, it is striving to do the good in the face of enormous opposition. The world would bind us and lie to us, but know that God would lead you in light and love until the day we overcome.

Simply Stated

Hey Friends and Family,

I guess this week will focus on the email that I have received from my Mission President, which stated: 

"Elder Haggard,

 The 16^th of September will be your departure date.

 Dr. Brown and I have carefully reviewed your medical condition and both agree that it’s best to medically release you and get you to a qualified specialist near your new home in California.  We understand you have an appointment with a Pudendal Nerve Specialist in Southern California on the 29^th of September, and request you keep that appointment."

I have one more week of my mission... I will be going home to Oxnard to seek out the medical attention required. It is difficult, but it is something that we all feel necessary to help fix whatever is wrong with my nerves. Thank you everyone for your love and support. I will have another Saturday here on the mission, so if you have questions or things like that for me by next week, feel free to write. Love you all!

-- 

Sincerely,

Elder Robert Haggard

Referral Center Mission

2007 North 900 East unit #80

Provo, Utah 84604

The Week Of Elder Haggard‏

Hello!

Sometimes your mind gets so full of other things that you can never find a trail that leads to productive thinking, you go round and round in the wilderness of your mind hoping and praying for the direction needed to traverse the valleys, and crags of the desolation that lay between my ears. The joys , the hopes, and the thrill seem the only thing that push us on as the howls of lurking jackals invade the sanctuary of the soul. Despite those ravenous yelps, we press on in the faith.

We had a very very productive week, one that I am happy with, but there is always room for improvement. We have so far taught more lessons than I have in a while, so it brought lots of warmth to my heart. There are so many wonderful people that we are teaching, and many that are preparing themselves and advancing towards the waters of baptism and eternal covenants with Heavenly Father. Our pool is also so vast! We have people in France, Ireland, Scotland, Jakarta, and littered across the US, so we get a healthy dose of culture and friendship. :)

On Sunday (just following when we "spoke" last) I taught Relief Society, at the request of the Relief Society president. She asked me to speak on the Priesthood and its role and blessings in the lives of both men and women. Let's talk about daunting! There is nothing more nerve-racking than going in there... for any reason! I think it went well, could be wrong. The wards we serve in are pretty snazzy, the people are cool and kind, and they are willing to help and teach me quite a bit each time I interact with them. I'm hoping that I gain their trust and friendship enough to stay friends after my mission. 

We had a neat Zone Conference with the Provo Mission, pretty astounded by the spirit and teachings of those lessons. President McCune is a great leader, and his insights are direct and loving. There was a love and harmony amongst the missionaries that united them and invited the Spirit in abundance. Being an "outsider" you can start seeing how people investigating the Church can find themselves easily intimidated by the members if they don't reach out and bring them in. We really need to make sure people feel welcomed and loved as they come to Church or into our homes, or else they will be scared. They will be able to feel the Spirit, but the Spirit also needs a conduit such as words of kindness that will invite those visiting to attach themselves to you. 

I saw my doctor on Thursday, the 28th, and nothing was discovered, but options were discussed that they think I should see a specialist that is located in Santa Monica. I don't know if that will happen, but I will know soon enough. For those that don't know, Santa Monica is pretty close to where I live in California, so close that I would stay there if I ended up going... Awkward.... We shall see. 

Everything is going well in life! I am loving the mission, though a little scatterbrained at times. I am happy, moderately healthy, not stressed, and progressing both spiritually personally, and in terms of helping others. I love life, my companion and I are going well, I think... 

That is about it for the week! Hope you all have a fantastic one as well! Love you all!

-- 

Sincerely,

Elder Robert Haggard

Referral Center Mission

2007 North 900 East unit #80

Provo, Utah 84604

Long Distance Spirituality‏

Dearest People Near and Far,

Well it has been a fun and exciting week full of lessons and unique opportunities. I had started a few weeks ago to email with a French investigator in…. France… who has been meeting with the local missionaries, but feels as though things just aren’t progressing anymore because she wants to understand the Book of Mormon. She has been reading it and reading it, but for her it is enthralling and believable in all the same ways that Harry Potter and the Lord of the Rings (Seigneur des Anneuax) are, she can put herself in the story, but with all the excitement it feels more fantasy than anything else. The exciting thing that happened in regards to that is that we were able to meet with her over google hangouts, so I got to rap the French to an actual person and not just type it out. She is an awesome person, but she has rough things that she has to deal with. She was also one that lived up to the stereotype of a French person that criticized my French even after last week being pumped up because a French guy told me I had a good accent… Peoples is confusin’!

 Also we found a pretty awesome girl from Ireland who decided randomly to give up alcohol five weeks ago, and then felt drawn to the Church. Like most Irish families, hers is Catholic and provide her with plenty of opposition, encouraging her to drink regularly and just hating Mormons in general. She doesn’t care though, she says that she knows what she feels and what she has read and believes it. She even quoted Joseph Smith on her Facebook, “In one of the readings by Joseph Smith, The Lord said 'Behold, I do not bring The Book of Mormon forth to destroy the Bible, but to build it up'.” Pretty dang awesome! She also accepted the Baptismal invitation to be baptized on September 13^th! (I’d like to point out that the Frenchie is running into the same family opposition as the Irish.)

 The baptism that was scheduled for this week was postponed because we were unable to link up with the local missionaries, which is a downside to being so distant, but we are now able to just work a little harder and push through the anxiety of the nervousness and cold-feet. There really isn’t a downside to being here when it comes to the distance because, these three investigators are in Iowa, Ireland, and France… I don’t know many other missions that have such a wide range to spread the gospel. It’s a great blessing! I guess a plug to help the international missionary force, does anyone have friends that live a little ways away that would be interested in learning more about our beliefs, always happy to help! J

 We had a nice little chat with our Mission President Thursday to help us get a picture of how to better work with members. We are always looking for opportunities to work with the members in teaching their friends and families all over. I guess we aren’t very well known, and members typically visit Mormon.org to send referrals, but not really introduce the missionaries and work with them in the interactive process of teaching. I don’t know about you, but I trust my friends more than some random dudes talking with strangers on the internet, and so we need to team up and work towards helping our friends together. So the plan is just a little more interaction with the members, but the refining of that plan hasn’t really taken place.

 On the personal side, no advances on the nerve damage stuffs, but I do now wear the glasses stuffs. They are weird at first, hard to adapt, and if I walk in them I feel rather motion sick, but they work and are good at sharpening the images on the screen and my ability to read the endless lines of text that we pour through every day. I guess next thing on the list is braces, but that is going to be pulling a close second after the “I should probably lose weight” feeling. Anybody that was wondering, I have put on twenty 2-0 pounds in the 3 months that I have been here. :/ I guess sitting at a desk all day isn’t very beneficial on the health front. I’m not huge, but about the same as when I originally left to Africa, I just didn’t realize how much I lost when I was there. Words of wisdom about my back come the 28^th of this month, but don’t know what light they will bring.

 If anyone has questions for me, or just loves me and wants to like email me… or write me… or send me a package… or spam my mailbox with hate mail…. You can feel free to do that. I wouldn’t mind it. But you can probably not do the hate mail thing, that’d be appreciated… Love you all! Have a great week!

-- 

Sincerely,

Elder Robert Haggard

Referral Center Mission

2007 North 900 East unit #80

Provo, Utah 84604

Elder Haggard's Week‏

Hey Everyone!

Well this week I have been sick, congestion and whatnot, so a little rest was needed, but funnily enough it has also been one of the most productive weeks in terms of teaching lessons since  I got here. I am starting to realize that I have great weeks, but it when Saturday rolls around  I am pretty tired of sitting at a computer typing and so you all get short-changed. Sorry about that! 

OH.... CONGRATULATIONS AUSTENNA!!! They is getting hitched today, about twenty minutes away from me! That is pretty dang sweet! I wonder if there will be any single friends when I get home, but then I also notice that I serve in Single's Wards here so I am making lots of friends that are single. Still don't know if they won't be married in the next little bit, but that is unforeseeable. 

In other news, I am getting glasses! I had always kind of wanted glasses, but also didn't because I had really good vision, but the hipster within yearned for the second set of eyes. Those should be coming in sometime this week. They think it may be because of how much time I spend on a computer, but then I think back to how I played hours upon hours of World of Warcraft and never had headaches or problems, but ever since my nerves went whacky problems keep adding on. 

Another thing about my health is that I got a Nerve Conduction Survey done, and they sat there with a little zapper and tested all the nerves and their reactions in my lower body... I am still not sure why they didn't test my upper body, but I think doctors know what they are doing.... maybe.... Those results will come the 28th-ish. Left side was weaker than the right side, and left eye is screwy not the right eye, left side of the mouth is crooked but the right is straight, I wonder what side of my brain I use more.

Fixed a baptismal date! Yippee! Candice has been super awesome, but she didn't like faith or God at the beginning, but now she loves it all. :) Good times here on the mission. She is expected to enter the waters of baptism next Saturday the 23rd, so I am super stoked for that!!!!!!! :D :D :D :D !!! :D :D :D !!!! :D :D :D 

Well, that's all.

-- 

Sincerely,

Elder Robert Haggard

Referral Center Mission

2007 North 900 East unit #80

Provo, Utah 84604

Another Week Of Life‏

Everybody,

In all honesty, I am writing you because you all deserve to know that I am alive each week, and that I am still loving my mission. It is just hard to come up with new material each week... We have the same few investigators that we have had for a while, but no substantial progress with them. We are surely moving towards a few baptismal dates, just waiting for faith to outweigh doubts. We have pretty amazing people being taught, and I don't know why some of them have doubts, but that seems to be the normal scenario with investigators. 

Elder Jorgensen and I have moved into the apartment across the street from the MTC, in Wymount. That happened this morning around 5:30, as we were doing laundry and preparing to go to the Temple. We have made it our plan to start making at least one meal a day since the MTC food is wreaking havoc on our weight... Plus, the walk to and from the apartment will help us exercise more than we currently are. It seems to be a good move, nice change of pace. 

On the plus side here they have given me loads of French emails to respond to, and they seem to have much prospect, downside being that I noticed how weak I was in the writing of the French language. Speaking was a whole different story, but I didn't write many things down in Africa, and even if I had the people wouldn't have been able to really understand due to the illiteracy. I do miss the ability to speak with someone everyday in French, but if I can work on mastering the written that will make a big difference for me too.

There is someone on our Temple shift from Accra, and he spoke a little Ewe, so I was able to rap that with him today! That was super fun. 

No updates on my health as of yet, I have a doctor's appointment on Monday where they will do a nerve conduction test, and hopefully shed some more light on the situation. I feel as though the weather has been teasing me, and I am fully wanting winter to start already... is it a little too much to ask for snow in August? 

-- 

Sincerely,

Elder Robert Haggard

Referral Center Mission

2007 North 900 East unit #80

Provo, Utah 84604

Les Neurologistes Sont Nuls ;)‏

Dearest Friends and Family,

Another week into the obscure, and loving it as it adds adventure, thrill and uncertainty to the future. :) This obscurity is in reference to title of this email, because I went to see another doctor, and yet another day where they don't know what is wrong with me. Rumors and hushes seem to still want to send me away, but in my humble-stubborn-contradictory attitude I refuse. They have decided that this week they will do an evaluation of my nerves by shooting electricity through them and seeing how well they conduct and react.

We have been having quite a bit of success here in the mission, like previously mentioned, we had a baptism last Saturday, the one for this week pushed it back a week so his cousin can baptize him, and then we have a large pool of investigators that are progressing really nicely. There are the ups and downs to all those that we teach, doubt, discouragement, opposition, but these people seem to have great spirits that the Lord has prepared for a while. I cannot guarantee that they will all enter into the covenant of baptism, but they appear to me that they will seriously consider it. ;) 

I guess you all want to know what we did for the Fourth of July here in the MTC, it was nothing big, but we had a sweet little talent show. There were fiddlers and singers and pianists and speakers and flags and a large crowd of peculiarly dressed people with matching black badges and then there was a cool movie thing (those are those things on film with a beginning, middle, and end) and then we watched a couple of firework things and then ate some dark chocolate dove ice cream bar and then I ran out of things to say following "and then". (Pic 915: RC 4th of July Night looking out the window at exploding colors in the night sky.) 

Today we went to the MMMH! Anybody want to guess what that means? :D "Museum of Mexican Mormon History"! It was intriguing, and it kind of reminded me of how awesome it is to be a part of an ever-growing and living Church. I love seeing how far the Church has come! I love imagining how far it will go! I love just being a small part in the growth of the Church, but huge in some people's lives (not tooting my own horn). I just love to know that I have helped, and from the help I have received in my life from testimonies of those that love the Lord and me.  (Pic 921: The Mission outside MMMH.) 

I love you all, sorry if this isn't super interesting, but it is all good. Just know that I love my mission! I really love everyday! I hope you have an amazing week ya'll!

-- 

Sincerely,

Elder Robert Haggard

Referral Center Mission

2007 North 900 East unit #80

Provo, Utah 84604

A Week's Toil, and An Eternity's Wages‏

Hello Everyone,

I guess I will start out with a few thank you notes to Lisa Clark's package and the visit from the Grahams. Thank you all so much! :) 

I will now talk about the worst part (maybe second worst part) of the week. So, since we all know that I came here to work in the Referral Center because of health issues, they were trying to decide between urological issues and neurological issues. They decided that they needed a scope of my bladder, and the good news is that they know it isn't due to any urological reasons.... one uncomfortable procedure later.

I guess a highlight from this week would be when Elder Ballard came and spoke to us on Tuesday night. He made a clear cut message that we need to learn to have faith in the Prophets and Apostles, even when things seem foggy and we don't fully understand why. It meant a lot to me when he left the promise, "we will not and cannot lead you astray." I had never questioned the Apostles, sure I don't understand everything that they do, but I realize now that the mysteries of God are revealed unto them, if I automatically through these revelations under the bus I do not have the chance of knowing why the are, nor will I benefit from the blessings attached. 

It has been great fun as I have been able to teach an African, it keeps Benin and Togo close to the heart. I am relatively glad that I went French speaking in Africa to learn from scratch the language, the English that I encounter is so hard to understand that I would have lost what I have grown to appreciate in the English language. In French it was harder to notice how hard the hit was from lack of educational opportunities, but the English has been clear. I love the African people, and I see ever more clearly just how much the gospel will allow them to expand and to grow if they make scripture study, prayer, and going to Church top on their priorities. (Scripture study I guarantee will bless all that struggle with illiteracy or seek to improve their ability to read and to write.)

There have been excellent investigators that we have found and taught this week, those precious souls that have been ripened and prepared through the loving and nurturing hand of the Lord. It is awesome when you see the answers to the problems in life are found through what you have been blessed to have your entire life. It is a blessing to have been born into the covenant, to have been blessed with a window open just long enough for me to sneak into mortality in the right conditions. There are struggles and doubts that come to all of us, but knowing where we are is on sure ground, we know that we can withstand.

Oh, by the way, the Czechs have this really delicious thingamabob called a "kolaches!" Found this place off of Center Street in Provo, yummy! 

I love working in the Temple too! It is such a wonderful and serene experience being able to help others in that unique and special way. Being able to surround myself in the beauty of the Temple each week is a strength that all of us should do our best to utilize. As you return to the Father's home here on earth, you are able to revitalize the Spirit that is within you. Your mind and heart are set at ease from the trials and tribulations of the world. It is the perfect way to finish off a week! 

Thank you all for the emails this week! It is always great to hear from you! I love you all, and I hope that you find more time to give back to the Lord. Find a minute to quietly contemplate a scripture, a conference talk, or participate in an ordinance at the Temple. Don't think that the things of this world will matter more in the moment, I found that it is in the moments that you think something is more important than those things that you most need them. Humble yourself and overcome the thoughts that work, school, or other things are more important temporarily that the Lord, you are sadly mistaken. Fruit for the thought. Love you all once again!

-- 

Sincerely,

Elder Robert Haggard

Referral Center Mission

2007 North 900 East unit #80

Provo, Utah 84604

Finding People Is Hard‏

Friends and Family,

This week hasn't been very productive, we have had to spend long hours taking the Mormon.org chats, but it just seems that this week's batch of visitors consisted of not so sincere seekers of the truth. Perhaps summer isn't the best time to be relying on the internet to find new people to teach since near the end it becomes more and more full of people just wanting to waste time and have a kick from doing it. I remember back in Be-Kpota I was getting tired of doing OVB (tracting) because it was the same streets and the same people that we saw all the time, and they became people that I would just wave to and talk with briefly, here it is a different story because you never know who you are going to meet. Sure, the same questions get tiring: "Why can't women hold the priesthood?" "Why did God change His mind about the blacks and the priesthood?" "If I join your church how many wives do I get?" "You know you are bigots, don't you?".... in Africa, these questions didn't matter to them. I would have figured that the continent affected by the withholding of the priesthood would have more to say about it, but it seems that here in America they are more upset over it...

I guess this week I am grateful for living prophets that allow us to know God's will, and share with us direction and counsel from the heavens. I couldn't imagine trying to interpret the eternal truths without faith and a testimony that these men have truly been called of God to lead His children. The world lacks faith, they want answers and they demand that they be given to them. In today's culture the response "I don't know" is rejected and deemed as though it means all evidence and knowledge elsewhere is void.  In my studies I found an answer to how to teach, and how to become a living example of the word:

 D&C 19:29-33
29 And thou shalt declare glad tidings, yea, publish it upon the mountains, and upon every high place, and among every people that thou shalt be permitted to see.
 30 And thou shalt do it with all humility, trusting in me, reviling not against revilers.
 31 And of tenets thou shalt not talk, but thou shalt declare repentance and faith on the Savior, and remission of sins by baptism, and by fire, yea, even the Holy Ghost.
 32 Behold, this is a great and the last commandment which I shall give unto you concerning this matter; for this shall suffice for thy daily walk, even unto the end of thy life.
 33 And misery thou shalt receive if thou wilt slight these counsels, yea, even the destruction of thyself and property.

2 Timothy 2:23-26
23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
 24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

We spend too much time arguing over points that are useless to eternal salvation, and we act as though we have something to prove, but we don't! The Spirit is there to strive with man so long as they are sincere, we will never be the ones to convince of the eternal principles. Be faithful and patient to allow the world to be the same. We share our message, but we cannot, should not, and hopefully do not shove it down people's throats. 

Elder Eberle left this morning. He had finished up his two years and is off to start a new adventure. He is a great friend and missionary, and it is always sad to see a friend leave home. We have now seven full-time Referral Center Elders. It is a challenge to live and work in such close quarters with the same people day in and day out, but we become friends and help each other learn and grow. I struggle and grow each day, and it is well worth it. I know without a doubt that the Lord loves me, and that He is mindful of me and my needs. As I struggle or doubt I feel His gentle instruction to give me courage and faith to press on. I know that we can all find the answers relevant to our needs, the Lord will give us the milk before the meat, but we must be patient. I can say that I am quite carnivorous, and that hinders my patience in many instances. I am weak, but I feel borrowed strength lifting me above my means, and it is something I very much appreciate! I love the Lord, and I hope that each of you become mindful of His Almighty hand in your lives, "count your blessings" and the days go on. Love you all! Have a great week!

(Img 1175- Pretty Sunset witnessed this week) 

(Img 1184- Selfie with Elder Heslop and Elder Eberle, in the middle) 

-- 

Sincerely,

Elder Robert Haggard

Referral Center Mission

2007 North 900 East unit #80

Provo, Utah 84604