Buenos Dias Mi Familia!
(I have no idea if that is correct haha sorry Elder Packham hahaha)
This week has been interesting. Nothing but scorching hot, so hot in fact the cajon pass which is the 15 that you take to get out into the desert. We even got a warning for a dust storm! and then the past two days it has been raining with flash flood warnings!!! So beautiful except for the fact it is now super humid. One of our members was saying this is usually weather you see before an earthquake, but we'll see. It has been super crazy weather though. I think Heavenly Father is mad about the passing of the new law and is giving us a piece of His mind haha.
So life has been good. This is the start of week 6, so this Saturday we will see if I get transferred or not. So this week it felt like we accomplished nothing until I started to fill out our weekly progress report before missionary correlation meeting and saw how many families we went to go see and it was pretty impressive.
Sounds like everyone is busy this summer! Can't believe summer is almost over though... Sorry to bring that up Halley hahaha.
My shoulder is doing just fine!
Miss you all and hope you have a good and safe week!
Love you!
Elder Harris--
Elder Jorvik Ty Harris
Rancho Cucamonga, California
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
In the Second Coming, Southern California is the first to go...... (hahahaha)
This missionary work is hard.
This past week I pleaded with the Lord like none other, and I got reassurance that He understands my hard work. But it truly is the hardest thing to face. I had this incredible study but I forgot my study journal so I don't remember some of it, but I want to share it with you! Next week.
Also cool story, When I was with Elder Plymell I read the talk from President Eyring entitled "Mountains to Climb" and I prayed for a lesson of patience. Well I got it. My bike crash was still bothering me this past week, and the night I called Sister Hobbs I popped my shoulder back in. And now I have been told I bruised a bone which there is nothing I can do but ice and apply heat at nights. It takes 6 weeks to heal than I can do exercise that will strengthen my shoulder. But no one has time to wait. I think that day I got the news I went and moved a few couches.. hahaha Missionary work and service waits for nothing! haha but patience is a virtue I must learn. The Lord is in my life. I feel Him everyday. I realized in my prayers I just need to be straight up with Him. If I am feeling miserable I just tell Him I feel miserable. I think He appreciates that a lot more than the normal "thank the for this day...."
Well that wraps my week up! Also President Palmer emailed me this week! Can I just say I have the best Stake President ever, he is a boss.
Thank you for the words of encouragement!
ohhh another cool story than I give you permission to move on with the day!:)
So in zone meeting this past week we were trying to set a baptismal goal for this next 6 months of the year, and somehow I get elected to pray for us all to receive inspiration. I have never been answered from a prayer as quick as I did in that prayer. I got it in the middle of the prayer I wanted to stop the prayer and just tell the zone leaders what the number was, but don't worry I finished my prayer and told them. Then other missionaries started speaking up saying the same number I said. The Lord is so good!
The power of prayer is so real and I am saddened seeing people walk around totally oblivious to this power which is available to everyone.
Have a great week!
“Work without vision is drudgery. Vision without work is dreaming. Work plus vision-this is destiny.”
― Gordon B. Hinckley
--
Elder Jorvik Ty Harris
Rancho Cucamonga, California
This past week I pleaded with the Lord like none other, and I got reassurance that He understands my hard work. But it truly is the hardest thing to face. I had this incredible study but I forgot my study journal so I don't remember some of it, but I want to share it with you! Next week.
Also cool story, When I was with Elder Plymell I read the talk from President Eyring entitled "Mountains to Climb" and I prayed for a lesson of patience. Well I got it. My bike crash was still bothering me this past week, and the night I called Sister Hobbs I popped my shoulder back in. And now I have been told I bruised a bone which there is nothing I can do but ice and apply heat at nights. It takes 6 weeks to heal than I can do exercise that will strengthen my shoulder. But no one has time to wait. I think that day I got the news I went and moved a few couches.. hahaha Missionary work and service waits for nothing! haha but patience is a virtue I must learn. The Lord is in my life. I feel Him everyday. I realized in my prayers I just need to be straight up with Him. If I am feeling miserable I just tell Him I feel miserable. I think He appreciates that a lot more than the normal "thank the for this day...."
Well that wraps my week up! Also President Palmer emailed me this week! Can I just say I have the best Stake President ever, he is a boss.
Thank you for the words of encouragement!
ohhh another cool story than I give you permission to move on with the day!:)
So in zone meeting this past week we were trying to set a baptismal goal for this next 6 months of the year, and somehow I get elected to pray for us all to receive inspiration. I have never been answered from a prayer as quick as I did in that prayer. I got it in the middle of the prayer I wanted to stop the prayer and just tell the zone leaders what the number was, but don't worry I finished my prayer and told them. Then other missionaries started speaking up saying the same number I said. The Lord is so good!
The power of prayer is so real and I am saddened seeing people walk around totally oblivious to this power which is available to everyone.
Have a great week!
“Work without vision is drudgery. Vision without work is dreaming. Work plus vision-this is destiny.”
― Gordon B. Hinckley
--
Elder Jorvik Ty Harris
Rancho Cucamonga, California
Saturday, July 11, 2015
Combating Satan's Influences
Hey - thank you for the pictures lol. Reminds me that I actually have a family lol. And that is so awesome to hear about Aunt Kim!!!
I am reading in the war chapters in Alma, and I notice both the Lamanites and Nephites make fortifications and preparations for war. But as you read Alma chapter 55, Moroni sets up a plan to give wine to the Lamanites and then take the city without bloodshed. The next morning the Lamanites awoke and had no idea what was going on.
So what does that do with us?
Well a couple things stick out.
1.) We all have weaknesses
- That is why we continue to read our scriptures and pray for strength. We are at war with the adversary every day. He watches us. He knows our weaknesses, our insecurities, our strengths.
And much like Moroni knowing the city of Gid was highly fortified. He needed a new plan of attack, so he went for the Lamanites weakness.
2.) Outside influences
-It is amazing to me that the Lamanite army that was stationed in the city of Gid, ALL were in a drunken state. I bet some of them knew that drinking wine and getting drunk was a bad idea especially when the Nephite army was right at the borders.
-Peer pressure is real, and is one of Satan's tools to get us in a snare.
So what can we do to combat Satan's influences?
We must prepare for our war- read scriptures, go to church, temple attendance
Make Fortifications- Strengthen testimony and deepen our conversion.
Always remember the grace of the Lord can strengthen us in times of need. Through the beauty of the gospel all our weaknesses can be made strong.
Our influences that we have around us is solely up to us!
We can not walk uprightly before God while holding hands with Satan.
-----------------------------------------------
Love ya!
Elder Harris
Sleep Deprivation
Hey everyone! sorry for the lack of individual emails but I am falling asleep while writing this so it will be a quick e-mail.
So this week it has been humid and 100 degrees staying cool is a joke haha but we are staying hydrated while we bike our 15+ miles a day:) The sad thing about the sun you don't really how much it takes out of you until you get home and fall asleep and the struggle to get up at 6:30 is so real. So Elder Pritchard and I are physically exhausted right now. But I think the Lord is blessing us for our diligence for we have found another new investigator. His name is XXX and his life is a straight mess right now, but we are here to help that change..... hopefully!
I can't believe it is almost July already! Super crazy! Time is flying by so fast! Being a missionary is super awesome and I don't want to be anything else for the rest of my life.. Might as well due to the Supreme Court ruling! The Lord is coming soon! LOL.
Sorry the email is short, and boring but that is a quick update on my week.
A miracle happened this week though! So last week we fasted with the Muslim community for rain in this drought and a couple days it sprinkled ever so slightly but it was enough confirmation that Heavenly Father is watching over us. Probably why I haven't fallen over dead yet hahaha.
Love you guys! We get to do a training this week, so wish us luck! Be safe, and look for missionary opportunities including service!
Elder Harris
--
Elder Jorvik Ty Harris
Rancho Cucamonga, California
Sunday, June 28, 2015
The Spirit is so amazing!
This week has been amazing!
I have learned the most valuable lesson: Follow the spirit
It sounds so easy, but to actually apply it has been different because with Elder Plymell we were in a routine everyday. But since I am leading I had no idea what to do. I went on exchanges last week before transfers, and my temporary companion had us plan to go out and act like we don't know what we are doing because that is when you just are humble enough to listen to the spirit because you have nothing planned. Not saying to go out with nothing, but to actively seek for those unplanned activities.
So Tuesday we were just biking down a random street and a woman called at us and we just stopped to talk and she invited us back. We taught two lessons with her this week. Then yesterday again had nothing planned, so we prayed for guidance and we walked and ran into a potential which we went through the restoration. He will be out of town this upcoming week so hopefully we can see him next week. But I have never taught so many lessons in a week, and it was awesome!
Sorry dad, I sent my card out late, so Happy Late Father's Day!!!!
So lately what I have been studying is Going forward with faith and taking Elder Bednar's talk and applying it to "hush my fears" because we did great this week, but next week I want us to stretch even farther and I am scared out of my mind because doubts creep in, but I know if we do what we are suppose and remember the Lords hand in this work we will be just fine!
Glad everyone is doing well! Hope you guys are enjoying the summer heat because I am certainly not. Biking in proselyting clothes when it is 100 degrees outside is not ideal but more blessings I tell myself haha.
Love you guys! miss you a ton!!
Elder Jorvik Ty Harris
Rancho Cucamonga, California
I have learned the most valuable lesson: Follow the spirit
It sounds so easy, but to actually apply it has been different because with Elder Plymell we were in a routine everyday. But since I am leading I had no idea what to do. I went on exchanges last week before transfers, and my temporary companion had us plan to go out and act like we don't know what we are doing because that is when you just are humble enough to listen to the spirit because you have nothing planned. Not saying to go out with nothing, but to actively seek for those unplanned activities.
So Tuesday we were just biking down a random street and a woman called at us and we just stopped to talk and she invited us back. We taught two lessons with her this week. Then yesterday again had nothing planned, so we prayed for guidance and we walked and ran into a potential which we went through the restoration. He will be out of town this upcoming week so hopefully we can see him next week. But I have never taught so many lessons in a week, and it was awesome!
Sorry dad, I sent my card out late, so Happy Late Father's Day!!!!
So lately what I have been studying is Going forward with faith and taking Elder Bednar's talk and applying it to "hush my fears" because we did great this week, but next week I want us to stretch even farther and I am scared out of my mind because doubts creep in, but I know if we do what we are suppose and remember the Lords hand in this work we will be just fine!
Glad everyone is doing well! Hope you guys are enjoying the summer heat because I am certainly not. Biking in proselyting clothes when it is 100 degrees outside is not ideal but more blessings I tell myself haha.
Love you guys! miss you a ton!!
Elder Jorvik Ty Harris
Rancho Cucamonga, California
Elder Harris sent this last week. He is the one that is painting the blue ocean on the map!!!!
Sunday, June 21, 2015
Importance of being a team player.....
My week was rough. One of those were every thing you plan falls through. Transfers just got done with. My trainer finally left me after 4 months to be a zone leader in Apple Valley. I am still in Chino, so get my first quarter of my mission in Chino!!! My new companion is Elder Pritchard from Utah.
I hope this week will be good! we have 3 potential investigator lessons set up this week and another 2 potentials still trying to set up. Also a less active family that we have been working with showed up to church!!!!
Got to see the other missionaries that came out with me at transfer meeting! Elder Mickelson is now in my zone, Elder Vance is now in a biking area in Mojave River area which sucks especially now that it is summer haha. And Sister Brentlinger is off to Hisperia which is in the high dessert.
So studies this week I have been studying hope. For this month we are in chapter 6 of PMG. I need more hope in things. Hope is a desire accompanied with an expectation. Hope and Faith intermingle. I notice I sometimes lack the Faith of expecting to receive promised blessings after I have done what we are told to do.
So glad I get to lead the area for a little bit. I am going to work so hard. I got to do weekly planning by myself last week because Elder Plymell was going home and it took me 20 minutes haha instead of 3 hours. I should just weekly plan by myself all the time haha jk that wouldn't be right. I notice how the mission prepares you for marriage. One of the Elders went home today because he finished and so we were talking about it last week. I think if I didn't serve this mission I would have a tough time being married. It truly teaches you on being a team player haha.
Anyways, I wish I could share everything I learn but guess you'll just have to read all my study journals when I get home hahaha. I have notice all the insight missionaries receive due to studying for investigators. The Spirit is so amazing!
Glad to hear your week is well!
--
Elder Jorvik Ty Harris
Rancho Cucamonga, California
I hope this week will be good! we have 3 potential investigator lessons set up this week and another 2 potentials still trying to set up. Also a less active family that we have been working with showed up to church!!!!
Got to see the other missionaries that came out with me at transfer meeting! Elder Mickelson is now in my zone, Elder Vance is now in a biking area in Mojave River area which sucks especially now that it is summer haha. And Sister Brentlinger is off to Hisperia which is in the high dessert.
So studies this week I have been studying hope. For this month we are in chapter 6 of PMG. I need more hope in things. Hope is a desire accompanied with an expectation. Hope and Faith intermingle. I notice I sometimes lack the Faith of expecting to receive promised blessings after I have done what we are told to do.
So glad I get to lead the area for a little bit. I am going to work so hard. I got to do weekly planning by myself last week because Elder Plymell was going home and it took me 20 minutes haha instead of 3 hours. I should just weekly plan by myself all the time haha jk that wouldn't be right. I notice how the mission prepares you for marriage. One of the Elders went home today because he finished and so we were talking about it last week. I think if I didn't serve this mission I would have a tough time being married. It truly teaches you on being a team player haha.
Anyways, I wish I could share everything I learn but guess you'll just have to read all my study journals when I get home hahaha. I have notice all the insight missionaries receive due to studying for investigators. The Spirit is so amazing!
Glad to hear your week is well!
--
Elder Jorvik Ty Harris
Rancho Cucamonga, California
Charity and Gratitude
Glad to hear everyone is good! How's the weather in Iowa?
This week has been a very exhausting week. We helped a few people move this week and I could probably sleep all day if I could. We also found a new investigator this past week, and a couple potentials who seems very interested have set up appointments this week, so hope to have a few more investigators this week as well.
This past week I also got to prepare for our zone fast we had this past fast and testimony Sunday. We decided as a zone to fast for Charity and Gratitude. I felt that was a little too broad and wanted to specify what I wanted to fast for to help people. So I studied a lot on Gratitude and Charity. And came up two things that I fasted for:
1) Quick to remember and praying in gratitude.
2) More exact obedience out of my love for the Savior
I pray now that I may continue to apply it as I continue throughout my mission.
We had companionship inventory a couple days ago at the end of weekly planning, and we had a good conversation about leadership and examples. Since Elder Plymell is the district leader we talked about his job to help his district. One thing that he pointed out was me not trusting enough. So I have mapped out my studies for the rest of this month about understanding the role of my Savior and His Spirit, Humility, and faith+hope for things. The hardest thing to do is apply the principles I am learning. I have been blessed with a lot of insight as I read my scriptures that it seems to be a lot I need to apply in my life.
Elder Neal A. Maxwell once taught us:
"Sometimes we get so busy discussing the doctrines that talking about them almost becomes a substitute for applying them. One cannot improve, therefore, upon the instructive words of King Benjamin: "Now, if you believe all these things see that ye do them" (Mosiah 4:10).
Nephi's "I will go and do" leads to action and brings results. Its counterpart, "I will stay here and moodily contemplate my navel," stirs no souls, indicative of those who are willing to serve the Lord but only in an advisory capacity."
Transfers are coming up! We get the call on Saturday. I hope I stay in this area for at least one more transfer, but I guess we will what the Lord wants on Saturday.
We had the opportunity to teach High Priest on the First Presidency Message on Families can Be Together Forever. It gave me an opportunity to contemplate and reflect back on my life with us as a family and what we did and what we could have done better as -no one is perfect so don't feel bad- but I feel peace when I think about us. We hear from members about their kids who have moved out that are not active anymore and listening to them beat themselves up about what they could have done better. When really it is up to ourselves individually which master to serve. I am glad our house has chosen to serve the Lord. I pray all of us will continue to have the desire to pick up the scriptures and read daily. To be single-minded to the Lord. I am very blessed to have this opportunity to change while on the mission, and I see the miracles of my choice to serve everyday. I love you guys a bunch! And miss you guys so much! Have a wonderful week!
Elder Harris
--
Elder Jorvik Ty Harris
Rancho Cucamonga, California
This week has been a very exhausting week. We helped a few people move this week and I could probably sleep all day if I could. We also found a new investigator this past week, and a couple potentials who seems very interested have set up appointments this week, so hope to have a few more investigators this week as well.
This past week I also got to prepare for our zone fast we had this past fast and testimony Sunday. We decided as a zone to fast for Charity and Gratitude. I felt that was a little too broad and wanted to specify what I wanted to fast for to help people. So I studied a lot on Gratitude and Charity. And came up two things that I fasted for:
1) Quick to remember and praying in gratitude.
2) More exact obedience out of my love for the Savior
I pray now that I may continue to apply it as I continue throughout my mission.
We had companionship inventory a couple days ago at the end of weekly planning, and we had a good conversation about leadership and examples. Since Elder Plymell is the district leader we talked about his job to help his district. One thing that he pointed out was me not trusting enough. So I have mapped out my studies for the rest of this month about understanding the role of my Savior and His Spirit, Humility, and faith+hope for things. The hardest thing to do is apply the principles I am learning. I have been blessed with a lot of insight as I read my scriptures that it seems to be a lot I need to apply in my life.
Elder Neal A. Maxwell once taught us:
"Sometimes we get so busy discussing the doctrines that talking about them almost becomes a substitute for applying them. One cannot improve, therefore, upon the instructive words of King Benjamin: "Now, if you believe all these things see that ye do them" (Mosiah 4:10).
Nephi's "I will go and do" leads to action and brings results. Its counterpart, "I will stay here and moodily contemplate my navel," stirs no souls, indicative of those who are willing to serve the Lord but only in an advisory capacity."
Transfers are coming up! We get the call on Saturday. I hope I stay in this area for at least one more transfer, but I guess we will what the Lord wants on Saturday.
We had the opportunity to teach High Priest on the First Presidency Message on Families can Be Together Forever. It gave me an opportunity to contemplate and reflect back on my life with us as a family and what we did and what we could have done better as -no one is perfect so don't feel bad- but I feel peace when I think about us. We hear from members about their kids who have moved out that are not active anymore and listening to them beat themselves up about what they could have done better. When really it is up to ourselves individually which master to serve. I am glad our house has chosen to serve the Lord. I pray all of us will continue to have the desire to pick up the scriptures and read daily. To be single-minded to the Lord. I am very blessed to have this opportunity to change while on the mission, and I see the miracles of my choice to serve everyday. I love you guys a bunch! And miss you guys so much! Have a wonderful week!
Elder Harris
--
Elder Jorvik Ty Harris
Rancho Cucamonga, California
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