Welcome back. We've made it to July.
Bat Saga time....
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| It was well into July before anyone came over to deal with the bat issue. The first day they came, they only tore out what you can see in this picture. They also tore out the ceiling of the alcove in the Sunroom and a section of the ceiling right above my desk. They did not find any bats, or any bat poop. However, the guy said that the smell was terrible and that it was probably my cat who did it. Then he said he found a mole in the ceiling of the Sunroom. I did receive an apology for my cat getting blamed, and it was a mouse, not a mole that was found in the ceiling of the Sunroom. The smell was bad before they started tearing into things, it only got worse after that. |
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| The second day, they tore out the fireplace and rock wall. This is what 15 + years of bat feces will do to your house. They said they found piles of poop that were over 4 inches high. If you look in the bottom left corner of the picture, you can see the piles of poop. Despite finding the damage and all of the poop, they did not find a single bat. We were left scratching out heads as to where they could be. |
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| More damage. The damage was so bad that the wood was crumbling in their hands. They had to remove the entire beam. (They never did replace it by the way. It looks like it was some kind of support beam, and probably important). |
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| I don't know why the fireplace is so happy, the house stank to high heaven!! After tearing out the fireplace, rock wall, and the sheet rock on the other side of the fireplace, they "cleaned up" all of the bat poop. Then they cleaned it with their fancy cleaners, and sprayed it with Kilz paint, and called it a job well done. For a day or two all you could smell was the cleaner and the paint, and we thought that everything was great. We were wrong because the smell came back. And we still couldn't turn on the air conditioner in the Sunroom. |
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| After they left, I did a closer inspection of the walls and found piles of poop that hadn't been cleaned up, but were just sprayed over with Kilz paint. We called them back. |
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| They came back out and did some further cleaning and investigating. They discovered that when they added on the Sunroom, they didn't seal it off very well. You could stick your head up into the ceiling in the alcove in the Sunroom and look right into the Living Room. That is why we couldn't turn on the air conditioner. Whenever we would turn it on, it would create a negative pressure which would then take all of the stench from the bats and suck it straight into the Sunroom. So, the guy decided that he would properly seal it off. As he was sealing it off he found one bat. He had almost missed it, and as you can see, the thing was partly covered in the spray foam that he had been spraying. Once he had the Sunroom sealed off from the Living Room, we could finally turn on the air conditioner and run it. Although, every now and then we would get faint whiffs of the stench. Meanwhile, the rest of the house which was left exposed to the whole mess, was unbearable. The house was in shambles, we had boxes everywhere that we couldn't unpack, and life was pretty frustrating. |
In the meantime, Aaron and his kids were still in town. So, we had fun with them.
We went up to the high Uintah's with Nathan's family, but got rained out and had to leave early. At least we were able to have some fun on the lake and those who wanted to go on a hike were able to do so.
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| This is the only picture I got. I believe that is Jaina out on the lake. |
We got rained out on the 4th of July. I don't like it when it's cold on the 4th of July. It's supposed to be blazing hot. But despite the rain we still had a good time.
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| Thankfully we were able to shelter down in a pavilion and eat our dinner. You can't really tell from this picture but there was a torrential downpour going on around us. |
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| We were praying that it would clear up so we could enjoy the fireworks. |
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| Grandpa |
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| Jaina waiting for the show to start. It was still cloudy, but at least the rain had stopped |
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| I believe this was their second 4th of July. We had fun, and the firework show was amazing. |
I got this lovely picture of a rainbow early one morning while I was doing my scripture study.
Nathan and I went on a date to the Desert Star Playhouse, and naturally I had to get a picture in the outhouse.
Meow-meow did more Taekwondo testing and moved up a belt.
News from Elder Davis.
Uh oh. Time is flying by way too quick. It's already been another transfer. Transfer News at the End!
What a great week. This work is truly amazing. Like seriously. I love meeting new people. I love teaching the gospel. I just absolutely adore sharing light from the scriptures. Testify what I have come to know is such a blessing. And to top all that off, identifying the Spirit with them makes our whole interaction just the best. Serving a mission is great. The members are amazing. These past 20 months have changed me. I can't believe it's been 20 months! We had a lot of success this week. There were a few trials as well.
Here's an update on those we are teaching.
The Scotts - it's tough. They fell off baptismal date, and we have been trying to work with them. We even put them back on date, but as soon as we did the adversary put a lot of things in their path. Nevertheless, their testimonies are still alive within them. We are trying to set up shorter 10-minute contacts to try and squeeze in their schedule. They are going through some tough times. Prayers would help a lot.
Alfonso (Fonsy) - Fonsy is really cool. He has been reading the Book of Mormon. He's super chill, and he always wants us to enlighten him by explaining the scriptures. He also has this returning member who lives next door to him named Ramon. We are hoping to get them both to church.
Miguel - Miguel is extremely elect. He was very chill when we first met him, but he is going crazy in progression now. We invited him to read the Book of Mormon. And we identified the Spirit with him. We came back for our next lesson, and he read the entire chapter and took notes. His notes were awesome. Brother is awesome, and he's got kittens that are running around mid lesson. We are going to get him baptized soon. Planning on setting a date.
Mina Ruiz - Mina is a really nice woman. She says she was baptized a while ago, but we haven't been able to find her records yet. But she is very awesome. She lets us come over for service, and we are able to teach her and her family. She says she is willing to be rebaptized if she can't find her records.
Tri and Merna Powers - they are great aswell. We found them because they decided to show up to church. And now, they are reading the Book of Mormon, and they love coming to church. We are striving to set up more inperson contacts throughout the week.
Garcia family - The Garcia family is so cool, too. We meet with them once a week. They are a part member of the family. The daughter is so elect. She loves reading the Kids Book of mormon. We are working on getting them to church!
This work is fantastic. There are so many more people that we find that I wish you all could meet. They are so awesome. Including my friend Richard, the homeless man. He's awesome. But those are a few of the highest progressing people.
Tender Mercy from the Lord: we were at dinner when my companion, Elder Young, started to choke. He started to drool a lot of yuck. The other two elders just stared at him while the member stood up to go grab a paper towel cause Elder Young was splashing yuck everywere. So I had to do the Heimlich maneuver and saved his life. So yeah. What an experience.
Missionary miracle moment: This weeks miracle was definitely meeting Mina Ruiz. She referred herself to us. The referral we got wasn't the best looking. It wasn't even in our area, and the address didn't exist. And we called her 2 times before we got in contact with her. But when we did, we got her address, and we came over. She testified so hard on her beliefs and her baptism and is so down to let us stop by. Good stuff.
These past couple of weeks have been great. It's been up and down in temperature. Ofcourse 95° is cool for me now. It hasn't been as hot it was last year, thankfully. It makes it easier on us when we bike. We met so many funny people and picked up a few quotes(see below). we also gave talks in the Sacrament meeting. My previous companion, Elder NeVille, called me out in front of the whole ward, lol. He was talking about a moment we had together where we opened up a new apartment with no ac and no furniture or anything for that matter. And he meant to say he "was praying for me." But he said that he was praying for "forgiveness for my companion," and it sounded like he was cranky with me. So the whole ward laughed at it. We had some amazing member dinners, and we made spaghetti ourselves. It was good. Had some bike troubles with flat tires like always. Went in an exchange with AP Lokotwinky (Lokotui) he's awesome. He's really big to, he's like 6'7 or something. It was fun. Other than that, I just did the great work. Keep hitting the highs out here. Las Vegas is a new place I never thought I would call home, but it is. Anyways, here are some of the quotes:
*Crazy homeless lady at a bus stop* says, "get out of the side, walk you *very not nice words*"
Turns around to enter the bus. *bus doors shut in her face* "hey let me in" *bus drives off* *continues to say very rude words to us*
"If someone asked you where did you come from what would you say? Would you say my mother birthed me"
- Bishop Eudy
"My Buddy Buddy, yeah, buddybuddybuddy. He likes peanutbutter sandwiches. I died once. It was my buddy buddy! In idaho"
- Robert George Arms
"I'm at psychic war and I don't know what to do and I'm fighting this battle. They say it lasts up to 50 years. Usually psychics have super abilities, but I guess not me"
- Homless man with a cigarette in his mouth
"Ive got rawmiedawmie"
- Elder Young
"Duchene season"
- Elder Packard
"We are greatful to be in this relief society class"
- Marcel in Sunday school.
"Ice Cream Never Faileth" - Elder Young "its milk Celestialized!!" - Brother Carmany
Anyways transfer news time. Elder Young and I are DEPARTING. Elder young is leaving and he is going to a very small area up in the rich side of town. Land of many member meals. I am staying and my new companion is. . . . IDK. He's brand new right off the plane. I'm getting a kid. A child. A first born in the wilderness. Finally. I am actually so excited. It's gonna be great. Its funny cause I had a dream where I trained a few days before I got the news #revelation. Anyways I hope you all have a blessed week. Stay crazy. But not too crazy because you'll get locked in a rubber room with rats. Love you all. Hope to see you later. Luv ya bye!
Like I said. I gave a talk in Sacrament. And I talked about virtue. Here it is:
Today I have chosen to talk on Virtue. Now, why have I decided to speak on Virtue? Well it wasn't me that decided, but the Lord told me I needed to learn more about virtue.
So What is virtue?
The Gude to the Scriptures says that virtue is "Integrity and moral excellence, power and strength"
In topics and questions it says that
"Virtue is a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards. It encompasses chastity and moral purity. Virtue begins in the heart and in the mind. It is nurtured in the home. It is the accumulation of thousands of small decisions and actions. Virtue is a word we don’t hear often in today’s society, but the Latin root word virtus means strength. Virtuous people possess a quiet dignity and inner strength. They are confident because they are worthy to receive and be guided by the Holy Ghost. President Thomas S. Monson has counseled: “You be the one to make a stand for right, even if you stand alone. Have the moral courage to be a light for others to follow. There is no friendship more valuable than your own clear conscience, your own moral cleanliness—and what a glorious feeling it is to know that you stand in your appointed place clean and with the confidence that you are worthy to do so.”"
Thats pretty straightforward. Virtue is being morally, mentally, spiritually, emotionally and physically, clean and strong.
Being clean is also straightforward, but I love how it said to be strong aswell. In a world of constant change and pressure from others, we need to be strong in virtue.
Virtue is also listed as a Christlike attribute in our missionary guide book called "Preach my Gospel." Heres what Preach my Gospel Says about Virtue
"It is fidelity to God and others. An essential part of virtue is striving to be clean and pure spiritually and physically"
What more can I say. Be clean and pure.
This last general conference impressed highly upon my mind to be more virtuous. I mean it was one of the main points the living prophet pointed on. Here are some of his words:
"Now, let us speak of virtue. The Lord tells us to garnish our thoughts unceasingly with virtue. Imagine the boost you will receive to any positive thought when you enhance it with virtue. Virtue makes everything better and happier! On the other hand, imagine what will happen when you add virtue to an impure thought, a cruel thought, or a depressing thought. Virtue will drive away those thoughts. Virtue will free you from anxious, troublesome thoughts. Brothers and sisters, as the world grows more wicked, we need to grow increasingly pure. Our thoughts, words, and actions need to be unfailingly virtuous and filled with the pure love of Jesus Christ towards all men. The great opportunity before us is to become the people God needs us to be."
But thats not all. A lot of the talks invited us to have Virtue garnish our thoughts. Here are a few that i noticed:
It started with Elder rasband inviting us to give the Lord equal time:
Heres what he says:
"I ask the same of everyone today: Whatever is on your to-do list, give equal time, not spare time, to the Lord in personal scripture study, family study of Come, Follow Me, prayer, Church callings, ministering, partaking of the sacrament, worshipping in the temple, and pondering the things of God. Our Lord and Savior has said, “Learn of me … and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Take Him at His word. And give Him equal time."
Even pondering on the things of God will help us be virtuous. Later this same message was sung by these speakers
Elder Quinton L. Cook:
"My third counsel is to set aside consistent time to faithfully contemplate the Savior’s Atonement. There are many ways to do this in our personal religious observance. However, attending sacrament meeting and partaking of the sacrament are especially significant."
Elder Sanding Roman:
"Start by meditating about Christ and the happiness His Atonement and gospel bring to your life. Also, make a record of the “spiritually defining memories” where God has been there for you, for your loved ones, and for the people in the scriptures. Now, these testimonies will not bring power to your life until the Spirit etches them in the “fleshy tables” of your heart. So ponder and record all God set in motion for these miracles to come at just the right time."
Elder Sergio R Vargas:
"Moses responded to the temptation by remembering his divine nature, saying, “Who art thou? For behold, I am a son of God.” The truth freed Moses from an attack by the adversary."
Elder Benjamin M. Z. Tai:
"First, pause frequently to remember that you are a child of God and think of the things you are grateful for."
What all of those talks had in common was our thoughts. Where we guide them. How we use them. And Keeping them virtuous.
I've heard our eyes lead to our thoughts, our thoughts, create words, our words, make action, and actions lead to habits. Eventually those habits become our personality.
Matthew 6:22-23
"22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single(to the glory of God), thy whole body shall be full of light. 23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!"
God has given us free will to choose. We have full control over our thoughts. And I love how that's what a lot of these speakers suggest we do first. Because by small and simple things are great things brought to pass. As we have small and simply christ centered thoughts it leads to us doing christ centered things. It leads us to being therefore perfect.
D&C 6:36
"36 Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not"
Look unto the lord in every thought! That is how we have a virtuous mind
The prophets invitation was to be more virtuous. Through this scripture he invited us to be more virtuous. D&C 121:45
"45 Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven. 46 The Holy Ghost shall be thy contant companion"
There was a time when I was sick, I shall forebear going into detail, but I will say it was not pretty. Or in this case it was not virtuous. My sickness raged throughout the late night and into the early morning. After a while of this sickness covering me, I had had enough. So, I started to plead. First to my Heavenly Father, and then to my earthly father. There is no doubt in my mind that parents have super power where they keep one ear open in the middle of the night so they can hear their children. I know they have this power because they always know when someone enters the kitchen, and the always hear a plea of a crying child aswell. After my cries, my father immerged into my room and asked what was needed. I requested a priesthood blessing. As he gave me this blessing I felt my body achieve a form of physical vitrue. I no soon fell right asleep. As soon is I awoke, I was no unhealthier than I was before I had been sick.
The feeling of overcoming this sickness was that of recieving a virtuous mind and heart. When we repent and achieve virtue it feels as if we overcame an awful sickness.
Take Alma the youger for instance. Alma had done uncleanly things. He had done things he was ashamed of. He says
"17 And it came to pass that as I was thus racked with torment, while I was harrowed up by the memory of my many sins"
He was in pain. Keep in mind his body was stuck dumb as well. So he was racked with torment physically and spiritually. But take the rest of the story. He continues:
"I remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world. 18 Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death. 19 And now, behold, when I thought this, I could remember my pains no more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more. 20 And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain!"
He put Jesus Christ in his mind. He let virtue garnish his thoughts. And when he did this he recieved joy and the pain was taken. He also recieved physical strength again. What a powerful truth for us hear of, and learn.
Testify
The Promise blessings that we recieve from virtue are more confidence in the presence of the lord, more joy, a relief of pain physically and spiritually, self confidence and mastery, so much more!
So let us be virtuous. Let us be Strong and steadfast in the ways of Purity. May we be clean together! Please, lets think Celestial. Lets Replace bad, sinful, unhappy thoughts, with Jesus Christ!
President Gordon B Hinckley Gave a talk where he quoted Joseph F Smith. He told of a story of a dream joseph f smith had. In this dream Joseph f smith was in a hurry. As he was in this hurry he noticed he need to become clean. While he was in this dream he noticed a bath arrive before him. He chose to cleanse himself. In other words he put on virtue. As he continued, he arrive at his destination where he met his uncle Joseph Smith. Joseph smith proclaimed to the young Joseph F Smith saying "you're late" Joseph F smith replied, "yes, but i am clean"
May we all have those same words in us as we choose to be Virtuous!
I say these things In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
And that is a wrap for July.
