Another Week -> Another Email

Well, it's Wednesday. Day late on the email. Whoops. Just be grateful I'm sending emails at all. ;) Haha. Only one left after this one!!! :(

Yesterday, I actually had a really busy day. I watched nephews, helped Ash and Hayden move, and went down to St George to the temple, and to see a friend come home! He flew in at 11 pm, and there were about 8 of us friends there (plus his family, of course).

So this week...

-Wednesday, I only spent an hour in the cafeteria, then went to help Mom at her appointments and bring her home. I was only in the temple for an hour, but it was amazing. In that hour, we had prayer meeting, and I talked to Joyce- my temple grandma, but I felt so rejuvenated from just that hour, and I didn't even do any ordinance work. How cool, right? Amazing what an hour in the temple can do.

-Thursday, I got to be the baptizer for all four hours. Talk about a workout. :D

-Friday was actually a super crazy awesome day. So many things happened that showed me that the Lord is involved in my life, mostly little things. *********One of the most important things my mission has done for me is teaching me to recognize the Lord's hand in my life. A couple from my ward was in the endowment session I was in, I got to sit around and enjoy a lot of waiting time in the time between the endowment session and going to the baptistry (which is actually really good in the temple, I promise), met the Temple President's twin brother (who is in "The District", apparently), ran into Dr Donaldson, and met a guy who recognized me from working at Dairy Queen at least three years ago and from Mom's knee rehab place.

-Saturday... the temple was closed. Don't expect to ever hear this again, but I was kind of excited. My weeks have been kicking my butt and it was nice to sleep in a few hours. The 4th of July was great. Ether 2:12.

-Sunday- I taught Justin's Sunday School class in the home ward. I was a little nervous, but I really enjoyed it. These youth, man. They are incredible. It was definitely the most interactive lesson (more like discussion) that I've ever taught. TRY to have a really sincere Fast, it will change you!!!!

-Monday- Relaxed, somewhat. Ran 4 miles. Hot dang.

I've really learned, especially this last week, the importance of reading the Book of Mormon EVERY DAY! I've heard leaders talk about that, but it really is true. I find myself more vulnerable to temptation, and I usually have the biggest temptations when I've missed a few days on reading out of the Book of Mormon (even if I've read a conference talk or something). So learn from my experiences and READ EVERY DAY! It's important. It will change your life.

That's all for this email. I can't believe that I'm in the middle of my second-to-last week. I totally get how some missionaries say that they never want to come home. ;) I would serve forever if I could. If you made it reading this far, I'm giving you a high-five.

Have a GREAT WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Elder G

ATTEND the temple

Well hey there family, friends. I forgot to email last week, but for a good reason! I made a trip up and back in the same day to the Huntsman up in Salt Lake City. I drove up by myself, but Chris and Allie and Renae came down from Brigham City and went to the appointment and dinner after with me! The news is that the scan is clear! I'm excited about it, and I love the word Remission! There have been so many times in the past that I feel like I've said, "Hey, clean scan!" and then the results don't stay that way... but I'm hoping and praying that I'm done with this cancer. There is a young woman in my home ward who passed away last week after fighting for a year with brain cancer. She is strong, she exemplified what a true hero is, and she's a light to all of us. We attended her funeral yesterday, and it kind of hit close to home for me, because I've dealt with cancer, too. Truthfully, the difference between her and I is that Heavenly Father has things he needs me to accomplish here on the earth, and things she needs to accomplish on the other side. My heart breaks because, yeah she is so young (16), but I'm so so so grateful for the Plan of Salvation and this life isn't it. Her services yesterday were amazing. Her family and friends testified of her life and of the gospel and their joy that they can and will see her again. Family is priority. Don't get distracted and put other things before your family! (Mike, we love your family!!!) Well, in mission news, I met with Pres Lunt on Sunday. I've got THREE WEEKS LEFT. Isn't that crazy? I'll be done with my mission on the 18th, and give my Mission Report in church on the 19th. So mark your calendars. :) I can't believe it's already been a year. I would serve in the temple forever if I could, and I'm not trying to be "trunky", but I am excited to move on to bigger and better things- aka marriage. Don't know when, but that's the next step! I have learned so much from life as I've attended the temple so frequently. *********And something I'd like to point out- I feel like I have received SO much inspiration and guidance and insight on the temple and life in the last year, and it's not because of my mission, per se. I don't get to do anything extra than anyone else can do. You are more than welcome to work in the baptistry or cafeteria. The things I learned and noticed happened from just ATTENDING the temple. From going and learning and trying to be like my Savior, I've been spiritually fed. Actually, more like stuffed. Does that make sense? You can learn so much from the temple from just attending. You don't need to be a temple worker to learn a ton. (Although if you have the chance to work in the temple, you should do it.) Mom is doing good. She comes home tomorrow. She's feeling pain as expected, but nothing worse. She is a trooper! Knees are not fun, and once we get past this first little bit, she is going to be a happy camper-- or the happiest camper. I love life and I'm so grateful for my mission and the opportunity that it's given me. When the time came to start thinking about this mission, I thought that I wasn't sure if I should- I couldn't go out on a full-time mission so should I just move on with life, and continue with school and stuff? BUT I AM SO GLAD I CHOSE TO SERVE. This mission has been such a great insight and time for me in my life. Don't pass up any opportunity you have to serve- even if it's just spending a few hours with the missionaries or going with a group to do baptisms for the dead. Have a great week. I seriously love you all! Elder G

Mission Paperwork

Hello!

This week (or past two weeks, since I didn't email last week) has been a good one. I know I say this in every email, but it's so good to be back at the temple!!! I did some calculating, it's been 47 weeks since I started my service at the temple, I have served for 15 of those weeks.... plus three Fridays in January. Crazy, huh? Heavenly Father has His reasons. If I get released as a service missionary when I'm thinking, I have five weeks left. CRAZY, right?? I'll probably know my official date when I meet with Pres Lunt on the 28th of this month.

I jumped up to four days a week last week. I go down there Wed-Sat. It's honestly exhausting, but worth it (and no, I'm NOT pushing myself too much, thanks for asking), and I'm just trying to get enough sleep to stay caught up. The newest update is that on Saturdays, I don't do Sealings from 9-11am and Cafeteria from 12-4pm. I was switched around, and now work in the Cafeteria from 7am-12pm and do sealings after. Yeah. Last Saturday I got up at 5:15 and left Cedar at 6am! :D Crazy, but great.

Okay, so I have a funny story. Hope you laugh, cause I did! Pres Lunt came up to me on Sunday and said, "Sorry to push your appt back from today. I talked with the area coordinators and they can't find your paperwork to get your mission release certificate." And he asked me if I had filled out a Church-Service Mission Recommendation, and I said that if I had, Pres Crankshaw did it. So I asked if I need to fill one out, and Pres Lunt said yeah, so the other day I started filling out my paperwork for the mission I'm almost done with- the paperwork that I submit my mission picture with! Haha. 11 months later....

I started running again! I told you that last email, too. I'm up to three miles a day. The first week I went one, last week two, and now this week three. It's been so great to get back in to running again, I've really really missed it. It's extremely difficult, it's like my body has been through the ringer or something. Weird. I had a though today while I was running... I LOVE running, but sometimes I have second thoughts as I'm about to start, I think "Oh, I'll just do it tomorrow." And really, the hardest part of running is somethings just starting. Once I get going, and especially if I have a good attitude about it, I am able to think about my life, spend some time immersed in something, and in the end, feel really happy that I took the time to run and made the effort, because physically, I'm better off. I compared all these feelings to being proactive in the gospel, mainly scripture study. I love studying the scriptures, but lately it's been a little harder to sit down and actually do it. It was a really cool lesson that I needed to learn today!

The house has been a little more "alive" than usual lately. My sister Brooke and brother-in-law Tim and their boys moved in with us a few weeks ago. Their house sold, and they are building their new house, so they're in between right now. It's fun to have them here. And also, my brother Chris and sister-in-law Allie came to visit for a few days and stayed here. So we went from 4 here, to 8, to 11. Haha, but those of you that know me well, know that I love it! I love being with people. I'm more tired, but it's so great! I'm even spending more time outside, too, which I think we all need.

My mom got her knees replaced today! It's a surgery she hasn't been too excited for, but it's time. She did well and is currently in a recovery room. She's awesome, and an amazing example to me. I'm kind of excited to pay it back to her in all the times she's helped me in my surgery recoveries. It's a great time for it, too, because with Brooke and Tim here, there are more people that live here to help her. Talk about good timing, right?

Sorry this email is so long, I'll make sure and not skip any more weeks so that it won't be as long next time. Every single one of you are an amazing example to me. I mean it!!! Have a good one.

Elder G

Cool Miracle & Journaling

Hello all!

Cool miracle this week. I went to the temple last Tuesday (a week ago) with some friends. My missing-fibula ankle as really bugging me, which doesn't happen too often. I wore an ankle brace for the first part of that day. Partway through the temple session, it went away. Coincidence? I think not. In fact, I work with a Sister Abelhousen in the Baptistry. She said she has Rheumatoid Arthritis, but it goes away every time she walks into the temple. BLESSINGS, PEOPLE!!!

I'm still learning lots and loving my mission. I'm going to have a hard time leaving all my temple family when I'm done. If my calculations are correct, I only have seven weeks left. :0

Saturday was a challenging day for me. It's kind of an interesting concept that not every day at the temple will be perfect. But that is on my end, not the Lord's. I've come to learn, though, that I need to prepare for the temple more, especially by getting enough sleep the night before.

My mission is really teaching me the importance of journal writing. The weeks where I wrote in it everyday has made this email much easier. But lately I've been sucking at catching up in my journal. It's hard! I've found it kind of challenging lately, and feel like it's my current battle, to set aside time to write in my journal, or to read my scriptures (I'm reading, but I am studying the Book of Mormon right now in a way that takes just a little more effort and use of highlighting. Ask me about it sometime!). Seems like an interesting battle considering how much free time I feel like I have. But I'm trying. I have to ask myself, How willing am I to truly put the Lord first?

If you've read this far, here's one more thing. You'll be happy to hear that I started RUNNING again. I went on a 2-mile run (but that's nothing!) Once in January, but other than that, it's been at least since October! Whew! I ran 1.5 miles on Monday and 1 mile yesterday, so obviously we're taking things really slow. When I went on Monday, I started and thought, "Man, this feels great!" But that feeling literally lasted for only one-tenth of a mile. Bahaha!

Have a GREAT rest of the week. Listen for me on the radio cause in pretty sure I'm going to find the Summit Rock in St George!! ;)

Elder G

It's My Mission

It's not Tuesday.. but better late then never!

It has been so so so so good to be back at the temple. It was SO cool to see all the people on my shifts in the Cafeteria and Baptistry again. I don't think they knew I was coming. I walked in the door to where have our prayer meeting before each Baptistry shift (did I tell you we have a prayer meeting before each shift? Prayer, thought, song, etc) and I saw Sister Bithell first (she is the one whose husband passed away back in October), she just looked surprised and came and gave me a big hug. I enjoyed seeing my temple family again!

When I worked in the cafeteria on Saturday, Ash and Hayden came to say hi, and they got to meet Joyce, who works in the cafeteria. She is like my temple grandma, ha ha. The people who work at the temple are all so nice and sweet and just a joy to be around. I LOVE my calling.

I am noticing that my body is taking a little longer to feel as good as I usually do. Right now I'm doing Thursday-Saturday, and that is hard. I come home tired. But it's worth it. I had a thought today- that I am experiencing what I would experience on a full-time mission through my mission as well... rejection from this chemo crap, going to bed exhausted, teaching the gospel (in my calling as a gospel doctrine teacher), and meeting tons of new people every day. I think that I always felt a little sad because I couldn't go on a full-time mission, but it's interesting that I can still have these mission experiences, and that I can tell you that my time as a missionary is one of the best, if not the BEST, years of my life. It's not all easy, but I'm glad I get the chance to serve the Lord!

Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of Heaven. Sacrifice some of your time to go to the temple soon! :D

Elder Gray

The day has (FINALLY) come

GUESS WHAT!

I'm going back to the temple. ON THURSDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you can't tell, I'm really excited about it. For the next probably two weeks, I'll be going on Thurs, Fri, Sat, following my regular schedule. (You'll have to look at my schedule to see all I get to do! It's attached.) After those two weeks, I'll see how I feel, and most likely add in Mon and Wed, back to my normal temple schedule again. Wow, can't believe the day is finally here!

With the exception of the three or so weeks in January where I went on Fridays, I haven't been working my schedule for six months and ten days. That's over half my mission time! Kinda crazy. I realized that with the month-long temple closure in September plus this six month hiatus, I've only been serving per my schedule for 2 and 1/2 months out of the ten months so far. It's kinda crazy to think about. But I'm not sad about it. I wish I could have served more, but I know that Heavenly Father is guiding my life! I've been to two weddings, a family reunion, a trip to Idaho to visit family, the events of my niece's birth, and much more that I probably wouldn't have been able to attend while in depth in my schedule. I have been able to help others (two people in particular) in situations that wouldn't have been possible had I been working my schedule. There's a good side- there's always more good than bad- when Heavenly Father is in charge. And it's a good thing he is, too.

Someone told me the other day, "Man, Erik, you get so excited about everything!" Which I do. That's okay, my life is great, despite everything behind me that's gone on, and I know it's because of the gospel, Atonement, family, and friends!

Okay, so I went to the Payson Temple open house last week. It was AMAZING. That temple is SO beautiful. You guys have to see it, either in an open house or go to a session there. Seriously. We also had the chance to go and do a session at the Oquirrh Mountain temple. I haven't been in that temple since the open house, and I had forgotten how grand and majestic it is. Only the best for a House of the Lord!

Anyway, have a great week. Come say hi at the temple! ;) Love you all!

Elder G

Wedding, Temple Visit, and Writing Essays

Yeah it's 10:23 pm. But it's still Tuesday. So I'm winning.

This week has been amazing, to say the least. Last weekend, I had a cousin get married up in Salt Lake. The day after the wedding, we had a family reunion for that side of the family. So I saw a lot of the Gray family over those three days, and it was SO awesome! Family has always been big for me, and extended family has always been huge as well. I'm really glad my parents come from good families and I'm glad we can see extended family so much.

While up north, I stayed with Chris & Allie, my brother and sister-in-law who moved up there a few weeks ago. It was really awesome. I'm glad that come August when I move to Logan, they'll be half an hour away! Everything is working out for Logan and I'm just pumped about it. I also got to see Shane and Kelsie while I was up there. And I went to the Draper Temple last week. So that means I've been inside 8 Utah temples- which is not the only reason you should go to the temple, but it does add a little variety!

HERE'S A CALL-TO-ACTION: If you haven't got the chance to go to the open house yet, DO IT! This week and next week are it. I obviously haven't been yet, but I hear that it's beautiful and magnificent and I will actually be there this Thursday. Yip yip!

I am getting ready to go back to the temple. REAL SOON. And I'm so excited. Not sure when yet, but by this time tomorrow I'll know. I haven't called Pres Arnold yet. But I've got two months left in my mission, which is the bummer because I could serve in the temple forever and I love it!! Haha.

Even though it's been hard to sit these last 6 months out, it's okay. Because I've had lots of good experiences and I've been able to see the Lord's hand in my life. I applied for a scholarship offered to cancer survivors, this last week. In one of the essays, I had to write about how cancer has impacted my college path. I wrote a thing or two that it negatively affected it, but while writing the essay, I realize there has been much more good than bad with college and this cancer. It helped me to choose my career field, gave me time to re-evaluate what I want to major in, helped me get scholarship money, and it's helped me with characteristics that will make me a better student- hard work and perseverance.

Heavenly Father knows what he's doing. I've said it time and time again, challenges help us grow. It'll be worth it in the end!!

Have a good week.

Elder G

PS. It's now 10:56. See how long it took me to write this email? Ha, your welcome. :)