Week 42: Alma 7:10-13

This week at Sacrament meeting, we sang "Away in a Manger".  I've heard this song a hundred times but I've never focused on the words, especially the third verse.

"Away in a manger, no crib for his bed,

The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head;

The stars in the heavens looked down where he lay,

The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.

"The cattle are lowing; the poor baby wakes,

But little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes.

I love thee, Lord Jesus; look down from the sky

And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.

"Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay

Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.

Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,

And fit us for heaven to live with thee there."

I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior.  This time of year is wonderful.  It reminds us of our Lord and the duty we have to serve others, not only during the Christmas season, but throughout our lives.

Elder Poulsen

Week 41: Jesus is a girl

We had a pretty good week.  We had some amazing tender mercies.

On Thursday, we had our Zone Conference in Oviedo.  I was able to see a few people that I know and I also saw Elder Pottle which was awesome!  The meeting was pretty boring honestly but the Apopka Ward catered which was cool.  I got to see a few ward members there.  After it ended, we went to Jeremiah's with a few other missionaries.  It's a super good Italian ice place that started in Central Florida I believe.

During the week, we've found a lot of critters in our house.  Elder Adair lifted his laundry bag up and a huge wolf spider was just sitting there.  I kind of freaked out but Elder Adair stepped on it.  Luckily there were no babies on its back.  Another time, we were clearing out all the old food in our refrigerator.  We never use our front door unless we take out the trash.  We opened the door and a snake slithered in.  We aren't sure what snake it was but it definitely wasn't a mere garder snake.  He b-lined it for the pantry and again, I freaked out.  Elder Adair had no fear and destroyed it with a wooden baseball bat.  Good times in the bungalow.

I had a doctor's appointment in DeLand.  On our way back, we decided to stop by Darlene because both Elder Adair and I served in Apopka.  He actually baptized her.  She's awesome.  We also stopped by a Jamaican Restaurant in South Apopka that I love.  We had lunch with the Apopka Elders there.

A little funny story.  The entire ward met together in the chapel for 3rd hour to learn about the new two hour program coming up.  Elder Adair and I sat in front of the family who has a primary aged granddaughter.  She's one of the very few primary kids in our ward.  Her name is Bailey and she's adorable.  I leaned over and gave Bailey a card that showed Mary and Baby Jesus.  She took it and said "Aww.. Jesus is a girl."  It was so funny, I was not expecting it at all.  Kids say the darndest things.

We had a lesson with Mark this week.  We taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Bishop was there to help.  He understood what we were telling him and he had a lot of great comments.  The Spirit was really strong and we felt that he was ready for baptism.  We invited him to be baptized on December 29th and he accepted.  It has been a great experience for us to see him change just in the few weeks we've known him.  He said he's "going to do whatever it takes".

We had an amazing experience with prayer on Saturday.  We had a few stop bys that didn't go anywhere.  Feeling deflated, we stopped the car to look for a next person to stop by.  We said a prayer and asked for specific promptings that would lead us to those that want to hear the gospel.  As soon as the prayer was finished, and I mean right as we said "amen", I put the car into drive and checked the rear view mirror.  There was a guy walking on the sidewalk.  I had that natural man come in and I thought about driving away, but I remembered the prayer and new this was an opportunity to show God that He can trust us.  The guy was super awesome.  His name is Jeremiah and has heard of our Church.  He was totally down to have us come over.  We taught him about the Book of Mormon and how important families are.  We set up a return appointment for Tuesday at 11.

I know that God lives and is aware of us.  I know prayer is powerful.  I know Jesus Christ is our Savior.  If I can help one person remember Him, my mission will be successful.

"But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance." (1 Nephi 1:20)

Elder Poulsen

Jeremiah's

My homie Darlene

He thought he owned the place

Week 41: John 14:6

While we were in our lesson with Mark, Bishop said something very profound that I absolutely loved.  He said, "We are today, where we most desire to be."

It really got me thinking about our desires.  Really, everything revolves around desire.  What do we desire to do?  Where do we desire to be?  Who do we desire to be?  When we have righteous desires, we do righteous things.  It's just that simple.  I want to align my desires more to be in harmony with God's way.  I want to more fully desire to love God and keep His commandments.  I want to desire more to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.  It is through Him that we obtain perfection and peace.  We just need to have the desire to follow Him.

"Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life." (2 Nephi 31:20)

Elder Poulsen

Week 40: I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

This week was pretty straightforward.  We had a few lessons and service opportunities.  It is now officially Christmas time and it's strange to see Christmas lights on palm trees and no snow on the ground.  Today it was 82°F so it threw me off a bit.  It'll be my first Christmas away from snow and the mountains.

We were able to teach Mark a few times.  We met at the chapel with a member, Brother Duffee.  We taught him the Restoration and the Plan of Salvation.  He received it well and has read the Book of Mormon.  He is a stud.  He's progressed so much in the little time that we've known him and we are excited to see where he goes.

Zone Training Meeting was this week and there were some great trainings.  The thing that stood out to me the most was the training on hope.  They talked about the kinds of circumstances that would cause us to be discouraged.  We all go through a lot of hard things. Physical, mental, and spiritual exhaustion.  No matter what our attitude is, our circumstances will stay the same.  When we have a positive attitude, we are able to endure with more joy.  I've been trying to implement that to my life.  I know that my circumstances won't change, but if I think positively and thank God for every single thing, I will be happier.  I know that to be true for everyone.

We went to a place in Inverness in the Lecanto area on Saturday.  We were with our whole district putting together Christmas presents for less fortunate children.  It was really fun because we actually had the names of the kids and their interests.  We were able to pick out things they'd like and wrap them.  One kid named James really wanted Pokémon items.  Elder Adair and I hooked him up with a bunch of Pokémon pajamas, cards, a backpack, and a stuffed Squirtle.  It was super fun and rewarding at the same time.

Last night was the Church's Christmas Devotional.  They were broadcasting it at the stake center in Eustis.  We weren't able to go, but Brother Duffee took Mark to watch it.  I am so impressed with how the ward has helped and welcomed Mark.  He needs friends and the ward has taken over.  I am humbled to see the love they have.

"Behold I have given unto you my gospel, and this is the gospel which I have given unto you—that I came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me.  And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that I might draw all men unto me, that as I have been lifted up by men even so should men be lifted up by the Father, to stand before me, to be judged of their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil—" (3 Nephi 27:13-14)

That's all I have to report on.  Have a great week y'all!

Elder Poulsen

Chef Bad-Boi-Yeet with the Sisters

Last P-Day in the wilderness

Leesburg Zone

Week 40: Matthew 17:20

This week, I was pondering about humility and how we come to obtain it.  I thought about how sometimes we only rely on God if things don't go our way.  Only if we want something.  Sometimes we rely on God in good times, without having a circumstance to bring us to humility.  In an inspired scripture study, I came across Alma 32:12-16 which says, "I say unto you, it is well that ye are cast out of your synagogues, that ye may be humble, and that ye may learn wisdom; for it is necessary that ye should learn wisdom; for it is because that ye are cast out, that ye are despised of your brethren because of your exceeding poverty, that ye are brought to a lowliness of heart; for ye are necessarily brought to be humble.  And now, because ye are compelled to be humble blessed are ye; for a man sometimes, if he is compelled to be humble, seeketh repentance; and now surely, whosoever repenteth shall find mercy; and he that findeth mercy and endureth to the end the same shall be saved.  And now, as I said unto you, that because ye were compelled to be humble ye were blessed, do ye not suppose that they are more blessed who truly humble themselves because of the word?  Yea, he that truly humbleth himself, and repenteth of his sins, and endureth to the end, the same shall be blessed—yea, much more blessed than they who are compelled to be humble because of their exceeding poverty.  Therefore, blessed are they who humble themselves without being compelled to be humble; or rather, in other words, blessed is he that believeth in the word of God, and is baptized without stubbornness of heart, yea, without being brought to know the word, or even compelled to know, before they will believe."

I apologize for the fat chunk of scripture, but it really hit me and went along perfectly with what I was pondering days before.  I started thinking about my own life and when I was compelled or not compelled to be humble.  I've taken it upon myself to not only humble myself when things don't go my way, but in all things.  Always doing the right thing no matter what.  I know we are truly blessed beyond comprehension when we follow God in turmoil and prosperity.

Elder Poulsen

Week 39: Scooter the DJ

Holy cow, what a week.  Literally... there are a lot of God-fearing cows out here.

This week I experienced my first Thanksgiving away from family.  It definitely wasn't the same, but it was good for what it was.  I was hoping to be in Melbourne for Thanksgiving, but the ward welcomed me in.

As I mentioned before, I've been transferred up to the Sumterville Ward which is considerably bigger than Viera 1.  We live in the city of Wildwood and cover roughly 600 square miles.  When I first got to the Sumterville bungalow, the musty smell hit me harder than transfer calls.  It was actually more humid inside the house than it was outside.  It is literally a cottage in the woods and I feel like I am at a summer camp.  It's pretty awesome.  I am no longer living the cushioned coastal life.

Let's talk about a few things this interesting area in Sumter County, Florida has to offer.

We cover 95% of Sumter County and it has the oldest median age in the country.  With my experiences at church and out proselyting, I can confirm that statement.  There is a massive community established here called The Villages.  It's hard to explain, you really have to experience it to understand, but it's basically where older folks go to retire.  Yes, that stereotype about Florida is real, and I'm living that reality.  There is plenty of entertainment, restaurants, clubs, and shopping.  Everyone gets around by golf cart.  There are golf cart specific paths.  There are about 700 golf holes in the villages and it's free if you live there.  I'm telling you, it's something else.  Words can't describe The Villages.  Most of our active members live there so we see a lot of it.

While walking around one of the town squares, we bumped into a guy who was visiting his mom for the week.  After talking for a little bit, we found out he is the Miami Marlins mascot!  He also works for the Florida Panthers and said he'd hook us up with free tickets anytime.  He was super chill.  It's not everyday that you get to meet a mascot for a professional baseball team.  On Thanksgiving night, we went to one of the town squares to walk around and talk to people.  No one was really interested in talking to us because they were too focused on the concert that was going on.  This guy named Scooter the DJ was up on a stage getting everyone hyped.  I've never seen 65+ year olds dance to "I'm Sexy and I Know It" quite like that.  It was an sight to behold and Scooter the DJ lived up to his name of being the best entertainer in The Villages.

The other parts of the Sumterville Ward are ghetto areas and rural areas.  There are some poorer areas in Wildwood that we went proselyting in.  There were tons of people outside playing dominoes and listening to music.  It was pretty fun.  There are also a lot of cows and fields.

On Sunday, we drove to the chapel for ward council.  When we got there, we realized that no one was there and that we probably weren't having it.  We waited in the chapel and a few ward members showed up.  I was introducing myself to people when the bishop came up to me.  He had a guy with him and told me his name was Mark.  The bishop walked away and I talked to the guy for a bit.  It turns out that he is going through some rough times and was looking for peace.  His fiancé is a member and told him that he could come to our church.  He stayed for all three hours and even asked questions and talked in Elders Quorum.  We struggled to find all week and then a new investigator fell into our laps.  During sacrament meeting, Elder Adair leaned over and said "President is here."  After a few seconds, it finally registered, and my first thought was, "What did I do?".  Of course, the one time he shows up we are teaching gospel principles.  President and Sister Clark were really helpful in answering questions and bringing the Spirit.  They had other obligations in the surrounding area and decided to stop by.  It was the most stressed I've ever been at church, but it ended up being really good.

Needless to say, it will be a very interesting time here.  I'm excited for the next five weeks.  My new companion's name is Elder Adair.  He's from American Fork, Utah and has been out for twenty-three months.  He finishes his mission this transfer so I will be killing him off and getting another companion when the new year rolls around.  I can't believe it's already November 26th.  I very distinctly remember that February day when I stepped into the MTC and had no idea what I was doing.  I still don't know what I'm doing but, the experiences I've had have changed me and I am so grateful for them.

"...and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.  The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?  Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever." (Doctrine and Covenants 122:7-9)

Love y'all!

Elder Poulsen

My last night in Viera.  

The Grover's and 1/2 of the Snavely's.

A Holy Cow

The Belleview District

Haven't fished since Apopka

New Address:

3220 County Road 511, Wildwood FL 34785

Week 39: Mosiah 5:2-5

Reading in the "How Do I Develop Christlike Attributes" section in Preach My Gospel, I read the section on hope.  It says "[Hope] is manifest in confidence, optimism, enthusiasm, and patient perseverance. It is believing and expecting that something will occur. When you have hope, you work through trials and difficulties with the confidence and assurance that all things will work together for your good."

There are many great blessings when we have hope.  I've taken it upon myself to have more hope in missionary work and in my own personal life.  I know that it is important to have hope in everything we do, because we will drive ourselves nuts if we don't.

In that same section, there is a quote written.  It reads, “Being blessed with hope, let us, as disciples, reach out to all who, for whatever reason, have ‘moved away from the hope of the gospel’  Let us reach to lift hands which hang hopelessly down.” - Elder Neal A. Maxwell

I encourage you all to pray for more hope and then spread that hope to others.  If we all do that, we will make the world a better place.

Elder Poulsen