I served my mission from 1995 to 1997. My mission president was Walter John Bailey III. It’s coming up on 30 years at this point. In a recent post, I spoke of the mediocre member. It caused me to reflect upon my mission and a phrase I heard my mission president speak a few times. All these years later, those words have stuck with me. They were: “mediocrity is of the adversary.”
A Sacrifice I Am Unwilling to Make
In the previous post about the mediocre member (Mormon), I discussed the Lord’s Process outlined by John Pontius. I have to say the thing I liked the most about it was simply starting from where you are. Nothing sophisticated.
The Lords Process
The Lords Process
1 – Start where you are
2 – Harken to the voice of the Holy Spirit in the things of your everyday life.
3 – When the next line or precept appears, embrace it.
NYNYS Mission May 1-3, 1996
Some more mission memories. Joy. Looks like I was fighting a few personal demons. The funny thing is, I’ve faced these demons over and over again. Even 30 years later at unexpected times, they show their face again and again.
Sound of Freedom – Human Trafficking
I went to see Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and the preview for Sound of Freedom played before the movie. Honestly, I knew it was coming out. I purposefully did not watch the preview because the topic is sickening to me. There I was, stuck in the movie theater watching the preview. I was so moved by the preview, I started to tear up. It was so much more powerful than I ever expected it to be.
NYNYS Mission April 28-30, 1996
Another round of mission stories. As I read these I remember a lot of the tension and conflict I had with my companion.
As I was new to leadership, I was the equivalent of an infant. I think he knew this and tried to take advantage of it.
How did I do this week? June 30, 2023
I was reflecting today on my efforts to be Worth of Zion.
I have had so much going on.
Dandelions
I was mowing the lawn today and noticed a number of dandelions growing in the lawn. I’m not sure why but at that moment my thoughts reflected upon my neighbor David.
NYNYS Mission April 25, 1996
Happy 23 Birthday.
You’re 23 and just begun.
When we’re 23 we will be done.
Love All Mankind
I was writing a talk for church this coming Sunday. As I did so, my heart pondered upon the love for all mankind.