Monday, September 8, 2014

Elder Cook came! (Lvlnd wk #20)

Hi everyone!

Hope this email finds you well!

The most exciting thing about this week was that I had the opportunity on Saturday and Sunday this week to hear from leaders in the church! Elder Quentin L Cook of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles visited the Mission with Elder Craig C Christiansen and Elder Davis S Baxter. Saturday morning was the first time this mission has ever gotten together at one time to hear from all of them. It was pretty sweet. We all got to shake hands with each of them before they began. I was hoping they would deliver the news that we are getting iPads, but that didn't happen. Sad day. I'm holding out on getting a GPS because I am hoping we actually get them someday. Nonetheless, it was a great meeting. I had never been in such a small group before listening to the words of an apostle. The best thing I heard was when he shared about his personal knowledge of the Savior. I could feel it deep within me that what he was saying was true. I could feel his conviction; he really does know the voice of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is one of his witnesses on the earth. I'm glad to be there to hear that.

Elder Baxter is from Scotland and when I shook his hand he said something to the effect of, "Elder Campbell, that is a wee bit of a Scottish name." That was pretty cool as my dad's dad's dad's dad's... I don't know exactly how far back, but I'm a tiny bit Scottish! Haha. The next day Elder Baxter came to a special stake conference to speak to the Loveland stake. It was great to hear from him - he spoke for about 45 minutes! And it was really good. :) I remember specifically 1 thing he shared about the unofficial oath of the relief society (the women's organization in the church). There were 3 points stating in effect that they will never be happy, but continually look at how they don't measure up in all areas of life. It is comical, but he said how many women (and men) in the church need to stop being so frustrated and discontent with their life and starting being happy and joy-filled! It is so true! He shared a cool visual of us being a judge of our own lives. When we judge ourselves, so we only listen to the prosecution about where we aren't measuring up. We don't give the defense a chance to share all the victories and successes that we are having. He invited us to change that and never forget the areas we have succeeded and grown and done well. AND he made so many funny jokes. It was a fun talk! (also had serious intense parts too). I am so glad I got to hear from him and Elder Cook.

Other brief things this week... being in a trio is different and brings a lot of challenges. So much different that just 2 of us! We are moving from the lake house in about a week. Sadness. I spent a little bit of time doing family history research and found out my grandfather went to Harvard and grew up in New York. Probably should have known that already as my parents know that, but it was awesome to see. Also found a record that has his parent's marriage with both sets of his grandparents on it. Pretty exciting because I know very little about my ancestors. Next, pray for Theodore Filkins if you can. He is excited to get baptized, but his grandmother doesn't have custody of him (he is 14). His mom is kinda off the deep end in Arizona and hasn't responded to them asking for her permission for him to be baptized. I pray that it works out so he can be baptized soon as is planned. Lastly, a less-active family came to the stake conference this weekend! First time in a couple years. Didn't expect them there - though we did tell them about it last week. Excited for them!

Hope you all have a great week!

Sincerely,
Elder Jeff Campbell

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