Dear Mom and Family, Thank you for your prayers and emails. If you could include in your next emails or letters things you are learning from life and the scriptures at this time. I am interested to hear how your personal studies are progressing.
But currently, I am been still completing the challenge from President Brown on reading the Book of Mormon. I average about a page a day because of the rich goodness in this ''marvelous work and wonder''. As I sit and just ponder the basics contained within the Book of Mormon I can feel peace, comfort, and clarity come into my heart and mind- literally spiritually nourishing. A good measure of your personal study is how at peace are you at the end. It requires hard work to consistently receive spiritual nourishment but it is so worth it. I have noticed that the investigators and members who obey the basic and simple commandments like daily scripture study, daily personal prayer, and weekly church attendance and strive to improve their efforts consistently are blessed with the Spirit more in their lives.
I love you and know that there is always something we can improve on and as we strive to do it the Lord will shed His spirit upon us. I love the Spirit. You could say I am a ''Spirit Addict'' because whatever I can do to increase the measure of the Holy Ghost within me then I want and will do it. And as we increase the Holy Ghost's influence within us then we are a greater blessing to others.
In addition to this as I reflect upon this week and the blessing of just living on the earth at this time I cannot help but smile. Think about the blessings for a moment: a living prophet who speaks the Lord's will on anything we need, technology which allows us to really feast upon the Lord's word more than ever, and the opportunity to prove ourselves to Heavenly Father by loving Him and His children.
Sneek Peek to next week: Power of Prayer. In my district the power of prayer what we will be focusing on in next weeks district meeting. I have been preparing for this particular district meeting for quite some time as I apply what I am learning so then I can teach it with power.
With lots of love,
Elder Hamner
Monday, January 31, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
Jan. 24, 2011
Wow, what a miraculous week!
I just want to say thank you for your prayers. I know the Lord answers sincere, fervent prayers.
This past week we have been super busy but in a peaceful pace which I love. I do not like nor will allow life take my peace. Being in the largest city in which contains the metro, trolleys, and most buses brings also much rush, noise, and stress. For many here time schedules are filled-to-the-brim, rushing to catch trains or buses, or trying to accomplish everything that life throws at them. Even as a missionary I face similar challenges; but as I reflect upon the example of the Savior when He preached His gospel and lived His life, I can only imagine him walking peacefully from one destination to another enjoying the companionship of the Holy Ghost. He allowed the Spirit to guide and performed miracles.
As I travel throughout Helsinki I do my best to remember His example. Yes, I am not perfect nor does the Lord expect perfection but my best. That principle brings peace to my heart.
Update on investigators: we had two baptisms two weeks ago and are working for more. The members are stepping it up in working with us and talking with their friends. We are having good success with young single adults in the Helsinki area.
Thank you and love you....I really do love you :)
Elder Hamner
I just want to say thank you for your prayers. I know the Lord answers sincere, fervent prayers.
This past week we have been super busy but in a peaceful pace which I love. I do not like nor will allow life take my peace. Being in the largest city in which contains the metro, trolleys, and most buses brings also much rush, noise, and stress. For many here time schedules are filled-to-the-brim, rushing to catch trains or buses, or trying to accomplish everything that life throws at them. Even as a missionary I face similar challenges; but as I reflect upon the example of the Savior when He preached His gospel and lived His life, I can only imagine him walking peacefully from one destination to another enjoying the companionship of the Holy Ghost. He allowed the Spirit to guide and performed miracles.
As I travel throughout Helsinki I do my best to remember His example. Yes, I am not perfect nor does the Lord expect perfection but my best. That principle brings peace to my heart.
Update on investigators: we had two baptisms two weeks ago and are working for more. The members are stepping it up in working with us and talking with their friends. We are having good success with young single adults in the Helsinki area.
Thank you and love you....I really do love you :)
Elder Hamner
Monday, January 10, 2011
Jan. 10, 2011
Dearest Mom and Family
This past week has been full of tender mercies-
First, J, one of investigators who is a member referral, is progressing very well. He has a baptismal date for the 29th of Jan. The Lord is helping us find more of His elect. Thank you for your prayers.
Second, miracle of personal prayer- I have been ravishly studying about prayer this past week and the Lord has opened my eyes to more of the power of simple, fervent prayers. I wish I had my study journal with me because the beautiful simplicity of our number one communicating tool with our Heavenly Father
News: I have been transferred to downtown Helsinki- as the district leader- all zone leaders and one assistant who leave Finland before the new mission president comes have become district leaders. This whole process of change gives my heart wonder and amazement as the work moves forward. This work is as hard as nails but the greatest joy one can experience. And the beauty of it is that every member can participate in it. From Genealogy, to temple work; from helping a neighbor when a trial comes, to inviting him or her to a church activity; from simply smiling at people, to seeking to make someone’s day by visiting them. The greatest joy comes from helping others experience lasting joy from the gospel.
If anyone finds themself sad, discouraged, or feeling of loneliness in any trial focusing on others will bring into their lives a light that only comes from above. And our souls naturally desire this light.
PS if you want to go on a fun, spiritually edifying scriptural journey then please look up the word ''light'' in the topical guide. Be sure to pray for understanding before because the whole trip is beautiful. That word has much meaning and we all can relate. Especially in Finland where the winter lasts longer and very dark. It paints a greater picture in my mind of how important our internal light shining outward is.
I love you
Elder Hamner
P.S. I was showing off your drawings to a couple of families. When I showed Karlie's avatar dragon, at a dinner appointment, the kids were watching the new avatar upstairs. They really liked it. Thank you for the birthday package!!!!
This past week has been full of tender mercies-
First, J, one of investigators who is a member referral, is progressing very well. He has a baptismal date for the 29th of Jan. The Lord is helping us find more of His elect. Thank you for your prayers.
Second, miracle of personal prayer- I have been ravishly studying about prayer this past week and the Lord has opened my eyes to more of the power of simple, fervent prayers. I wish I had my study journal with me because the beautiful simplicity of our number one communicating tool with our Heavenly Father
News: I have been transferred to downtown Helsinki- as the district leader- all zone leaders and one assistant who leave Finland before the new mission president comes have become district leaders. This whole process of change gives my heart wonder and amazement as the work moves forward. This work is as hard as nails but the greatest joy one can experience. And the beauty of it is that every member can participate in it. From Genealogy, to temple work; from helping a neighbor when a trial comes, to inviting him or her to a church activity; from simply smiling at people, to seeking to make someone’s day by visiting them. The greatest joy comes from helping others experience lasting joy from the gospel.
If anyone finds themself sad, discouraged, or feeling of loneliness in any trial focusing on others will bring into their lives a light that only comes from above. And our souls naturally desire this light.
PS if you want to go on a fun, spiritually edifying scriptural journey then please look up the word ''light'' in the topical guide. Be sure to pray for understanding before because the whole trip is beautiful. That word has much meaning and we all can relate. Especially in Finland where the winter lasts longer and very dark. It paints a greater picture in my mind of how important our internal light shining outward is.
I love you
Elder Hamner
P.S. I was showing off your drawings to a couple of families. When I showed Karlie's avatar dragon, at a dinner appointment, the kids were watching the new avatar upstairs. They really liked it. Thank you for the birthday package!!!!
Monday, January 3, 2011
Jan. 3, 2011
Dearest mom and wonderful family :) This past week was very fun and spiritually delicious. Last General Conference from Elder Scott's talk I took to heart a personal theme for the last 6-7 months of my mission- Exercise Faith in the Savior each day. As time has gone on and I have done my best to apply it. I wish to edit it more- Exercise Faith in the Savior for others. I remember that Elder Talmage wrote in Jesus the Christ that Christ did not receive His supreme power for His own pleasure but for the benefit of others. I love that principle!!! So as a result I have raised my vision for my mission. As a result, I have felt the Lord guide me more by His delicate, mighty hands. Coming from the North Zone to the Helsinki Zone, I have faced many more challenges-new ward (actually 2 right now), new missionaries, new companion, and working to bring everything to the next spiritual level. As I write this I smile because these are all blessings. As the Lord stretches me through each experience, He is training me to rely on Him more and more so it becomes me. As I put my all into blessing others then the Lord puts His all magnifying abilities and performing miracles that only He could have done. When we include the Lord in everything, we go from using candle light (our own abilities) to 400 W of electrical power (His Power). This power only comes from Heaven. Every one of us needs more greater spiritual power.
L's baptism- Also on the first day of this month, L was baptized (the older gentleman who told us that he wants to be baptized after the spiritual experience). He now has the gift of the Holy Ghost and is at peace. I remember seeing him in priesthood. He looked like he was in heaven.
I know that the Lord is preparing His children.
I love you.
Elder Hamner
L's baptism- Also on the first day of this month, L was baptized (the older gentleman who told us that he wants to be baptized after the spiritual experience). He now has the gift of the Holy Ghost and is at peace. I remember seeing him in priesthood. He looked like he was in heaven.
I know that the Lord is preparing His children.
I love you.
Elder Hamner
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Helaman 5:12
And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.
