tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67704808588131761732024-03-13T15:31:43.694-06:00Elder Jaren ThorneFlorida Ft Lauderdale Mission
September 2011-September 2013Reese Thornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539159481166612778noreply@blogger.comBlogger105125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6770480858813176173.post-82792901278635543712013-09-24T17:18:00.002-06:002013-09-24T17:18:27.887-06:00I don't want to say good bye to you.. So I'll just say good night
Welp. “B,” “J,” and “K” “M” are now members of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. See you in a little bit. I'm
excited but don't want to come home. Make sure we stop on the way home to
get me some Beats. And we'll get my iPhone soon according to Hailey. I love
you. It's been real. It's been fun. It's been the best 2 years of my freaking
life. Introducing the new me. Peace.<o:p></o:p><br />
Elder JR Thorne<br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<o:p></o:p><br />
Reese Thornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539159481166612778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6770480858813176173.post-78834723361095945982013-09-16T19:04:00.001-06:002013-09-16T19:04:05.245-06:00Start strong, finish strong!!
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yeah. So have I talked about “TB” at all? He's a recent
convert that was baptized about a week before I got here. He's a super cool guy.
When the missionaries first started teaching him, his wife “N” was super busy
with work. She worked every day of the week until late. She got a promotion
lately and was able to switch around her schedule which gives her Sunday's and
Monday's off. In the last week of August, we went to go see her and invite her
to be baptized. (She's had a ton of contact with the church and already has
some really good friends in the ward) She told us she was going to be out of
town for a couple weeks for her brother's wedding in Chicago, so we set her to
be baptized on the 15th of September, 6 days after getting home. Time passed
and we were excited for it, then the weekend before, last Sunday, I totally
forgot that we had her for the upcoming week. On Monday, we texted her a
scripture, and set up to go by and see her on Tuesday. Well we saw her, and at
the beginning, just mentioned the word baptism, and she's like, "Yeah I'm
excited for this Sunday!" <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so we
made all the necessary arrangements, taught her everything, she committed to it
all, and she was baptized yesterday! And confirmed because next week is stake
conference. Man it was so good. We had dinner with her, her 3 kids and a part
member family afterwards. So much fun. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Much a great experience. I bet you're all thinking, it
couldn't get any better than that.. right? Well here's a story for ya. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tuesday night. Exchange with Elder “T.” We're in my area. We
had an ok day. We had a lesson at a member's home with the >M” family, “B,” “J,”
“K,” “K” and “M.” We were at the “G” and “E” “C’s” home (he played in the NFL).
We talked about the priesthood. We gave them the big picture of having the
priesthood in their home with Bill and them being sealed as a family in the
holy temple. I go <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">"And you know the first step.." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And they were like yeah yeah.. haha. “B” was like,
"I'll let you know my answer soon". <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And I'm like, "Ok you gotta let me know before the
26th". <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">"Ok". <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">"Actually, before the 22nd, because after that things
get really crazy." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">"Come on man I give you an inch and you're trying to
take a mile!" haha.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> He was kidding of course. He's really funny. Anyway.
We leave the lesson with no commitment. That night, Elder “T” and I are
planning out the next day. We finish up and I hop in the shower because I have
to change my pump. About 3 minutes in, I hear somebody banging on the bathroom
door, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">"Elder Thorne!" <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I'm thinking to myself, 'What does he want?'
"What?" <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">"Uh.. “B” just called. He wants to talk to you"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">......<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">......<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">PSH! Shower off. Towel on. Run out. Grab the phone. Call “B”
back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">"Hello?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">"Hey “B,” It's Elder Thorne. How's it going?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">"Did you even have time to dry off? Come on!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">haha<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">"Ha nah I just wanted to talk to you! What's up?"<br />
"I just got a question for you."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ah..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">"Yeah?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">"What's your favorite color?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">.......-__-....<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I'm thinking like 'Are they gonna like knit something for me
before I go home?'<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">"Um.. Purple"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">"Hmm.. I saw you more as a blue guy.. So, do you want
me to tell you my answer now? Or do you still want me to wait until the
22nd?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">"Tell me as soon as possible. RIGHT NOW."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">"Ok. Ok. One more quick question. Do you only do
baptisms on Sunday, or can you do them any day?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">"WE DO BAPTISMS ANY DAY"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">"Alright. Well I have a pretty booked weekend, so I'll
figure out my schedule and I'll let you know and we'll be baptized sometime
next week."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">.....NO WAY..... <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">YEAH!!!!!!! I didn't know whether to cry or to scream, but I
didn't want to sound like a girl in front of “B.” I was jumbling over my words
I was so freaking excited. I didn't sleep that night. THIS IS WHAT IT'S ALL
ABOUT.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Love you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Start Strong. Finish Strong.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Reese Thornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539159481166612778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6770480858813176173.post-77397736218005980392013-09-09T20:19:00.002-06:002013-09-09T20:19:56.806-06:00Training with Elder Ulisses Soares <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zuhJ7k1VekE/Ui6BezdGXHI/AAAAAAAAAPw/1r9Jc0ZQkE4/s1600/Mission+Picture+9-2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zuhJ7k1VekE/Ui6BezdGXHI/AAAAAAAAAPw/1r9Jc0ZQkE4/s320/Mission+Picture+9-2013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Hello fam<o:p></o:p><br />
This week was good. Super good actually. We had interviews
with President on Wednesday, then we had a leadership council where all the
district and zone leaders got together at the mission home on Friday, then we had
mission conference on Saturday. It was a lot of fun. Sister “B” and Elder “B”
were there on Friday (Sister “B” is a sister trainer leader) and Saturday, so I
loved seeing them. I also got to see everyone at mission conference. Elder
Soares was awesome. He's really cool and taught us a lot of good stuff. He
talked about our commission as Representatives of Jesus Christ. How we stand in
His place at all times. It was really really nice. <o:p></o:p><br />
Man. I don't even know what to say. We didn't have a ton of
success this past week. We still have “J,” but she went to a friend's church
yesterday.. “N B,” who is the wife of a recent convert “T.” is set to be
baptized next Sunday! We set her with a date a while ago, but she's been out of
town until tonight. So.. Yeah. I don't know what else to say. We can just talk
about it soon.. I love you guys like crazy. K bye. <o:p></o:p><br />
I'm good by the way. Really happy, just totally sick of
emailing..... hahaha love you!<o:p></o:p><br />
Elder JR Thorne<o:p></o:p><br />
Reese Thornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539159481166612778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6770480858813176173.post-42572016128091019592013-09-07T10:32:00.003-06:002013-09-07T10:32:42.489-06:00Miracles
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
went fishing today! I caught a Jack something..</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jNyxO4QYJmk/UitU9DMtQtI/AAAAAAAAAPg/4sqD0uw7vs0/s1600/Fish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jNyxO4QYJmk/UitU9DMtQtI/AAAAAAAAAPg/4sqD0uw7vs0/s320/Fish.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Man
I can't even remember this past week.. Elder Soares of the Presidency of the 70
is coming here on Saturday for a mission conference! Super excited for
that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We've
been teaching a lady named “J,” who we met last Sunday. She has progressed
super God's hand in her life in some way. She has really wanted to give it all
to God, but didn't really know how. She had prayed for someone to help, and we
showed up! She loves when we come by and teach her ways that she can have more
peace in her life and have more of God's help. She is hesitant at first, saying
she loved tea too much. But luckily we had a sweet member there who also had to
give up coffee and tea for her baptism. “J” committed and she gave us her
coffee filters and her box of tea right there! It was awesome to see how much
faith she has! We went over a couple days later (She had to miss church because
she opened at work), and she said that she was tempted to drink tea but she
didn't! And she said she felt so good because of it. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It's
been crazy to see all these miracles every day. I love it. It's coming to a
close but I'm not. I'm going to keep fighting till the end. Even though I'm
super exhausted haha. I can't wait to go to General Conference! Ah it's the
best. That Sunday is actually Sister “B's” birthday. Random fact. I love you
all!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
Reese Thornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539159481166612778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6770480858813176173.post-21518544437449670152013-08-26T17:54:00.000-06:002013-08-26T17:54:08.807-06:00"Did God send you here?"
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Hi family.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Kind of a crazy week.<o:p></o:p></div>
We went down to Fort Laud this week and the best thing about going down to Fort Lauderdale
is going to BBQ King. The BEST pulled pork sandwich you'll ever have. With
fries and a drink for $6.89. Ah. Love it. A must go when we come back to Fort
Laud. But that was fun. I absolutely love Fort Lauderdale so so much. <o:p></o:p><br />
Yesterday was full of miracles. The rest
of the week was ok. On Friday, we went on exchange with the other Jupiter
elders. I stayed in South with Elder “T” (I mentioned him in my last email
because he asked if I told you that he's from Roy. As a joke. So I did haha).
We started out the day by going and eating lunch at Sister “G's!” She's the
best. She's 75 and has read the BoM 79 times! She makes the best food too. Ah
man, her cole slaw is to die for. I got the recipe :) I'll try to send it home
today. (Also, side note. I'm going to start sending stuff home today, so if I
could get some money to do that.. :) thanks). Sister “G” has us over every week
we have the car because she lives super far away from us. I love her a lot. We
eat out on her back patio since she's a widow. It's so good. After that, we
went and picked up “MJ.” He's an awesome old guy in the ward. He loves coming
out with the missionaries. I had no idea since no one told me, but it was a
great experience. Nobody was home.. But it was a lot of fun. We stopped off at
Wendy's to end our exchange with him. The day wasn't over however. We went down
to the apt complex where a recent convert lives, and started harvesting. We
walked over to the building that we were going to start off with. We knocked on
one door, no one was home. We looked around, and I see a building all the way
across the complex, and point to it saying, "We need to go there". It
wasn't some crazy manifestation of the Spirit or some compelling force leading
us over there, it just felt good. It looked cool. So we head over there, walk
around the lake in the middle of the complex. As we are getting up to the
building, a man was walking out of the building. Elder “T” thought to himself
(he told me later), "We need to talk to this guy". He said he thought
that right as I started speeding up to talk to him. We introduce ourselves and
ask if we can leave a blessing with him. He says of course. Elder “T” asks if
we can do it in his home with his whole family and he agrees and walks us up
two flights of stairs to his apartment. There was “T” (the guy), then his mom
and 4 other little kids. Elder “T” leaves the blessing and before saying
'amen', he blessed them, "..to know that we were sent by Jesus
Christ.." After the amen, we look up and the mother said, with tears in
her eyes, "Did God send you here?" Yes He did “J,” Yes
He did. They accepted baptism right off the bat, and are super excited to have
these blessings in their life!<o:p></o:p><br />
So yesterday, we got a new ward mission
leader. Bro “M” got released and is now the 2nd counselor in the bishopric!
Super cool. And Brother “C” is the new Ward Mission Leader. He and his wife
recently returned from a mission in Russia. He's pretty cool. We had a meeting
with him and Sister “C” (who got called as a ward missionary) after church. We
got home and ate, and afterwards, I got a huge headache. Like one of the worst
I've ever had. We talked a little bit about what we wanted to teach our
investigators later that day (I was laying on the couch). It's bike week (UGH)
so we thought we might as well use the new guy and have him take us out so my
head wouldn't be rattling around all night. He said yes and came and got us. We
first went and saw this teenage girl “N”who has been coming to church for
forever. Just hasn't agreed to be baptized. It was a good lesson and we made
some head way with her. She prayed about Thomas S. Monson and for help to
decide to be baptized. Then we saw and taught a super awesome lady that has a
date for the 8th. As we came out of her apt (same complex as before), we saw a
big couch on the side walk with a guy and 3 ladies standing by. We offered to
help them take it up to their place. Took it all the way up to the 3rd floor.
We then offered a blessing, which they readily accepted. After the blessing,
Trelaine (the guy) was so happy. You could just tell he felt the Spirit super
strong. His response to baptism, church and a return appt "Anything to
feel like this all the time!"<o:p></o:p><br />
Super cool. Love you. K bye. <o:p></o:p><br />
Elder JR Thorne <br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<o:p></o:p><br />
Reese Thornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539159481166612778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6770480858813176173.post-605246759166962502013-08-26T17:52:00.000-06:002013-08-26T17:52:00.127-06:00Week of August 19
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
So we're teaching this way awesome girl named “H.” She's the
girlfriend of “A,” I don’t know if I've mentioned him yet. Elder “S,” had
served in Jupiter South and he was on exchanges here a couple weeks ago. He
wanted to stop by someone he taught while he was here, “A.” “A” was going
through a very rough point in his life at that point, and didn't really want to
meet with the missionaries.. Last Friday, we were on exchanges again, I was
here with Elder “B,” we went to go see them. “H” was there and we went in and
taught her about the Savior and had such a powerful spiritual experience with
her. She doesn't really have a huge belief in God, but she started crying
because of how good she felt. We constantly expressed our love and how we were
there to help. She totally loved that, actually gave me a big hug before we
left.. haha. Now she's pretty solid. It's just been kinda hard to meet with her
since though.. We have had good contact through phone :)<br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
There's an awesome Venezuelan family in
the ward named the “C” family. They just moved from Utah, and the dad was
baptized at the beginning of the transfer by the other elders. And oh man do they
make some amazing food. She used to work at Cafe Rio actually. Anyway, they
have a chubby little boy named “F.” This is him:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<o:p><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--kQLYWgdi50/UhvokVARZRI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/0WW-SnvtKDI/s1600/E+Thorne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--kQLYWgdi50/UhvokVARZRI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/0WW-SnvtKDI/s320/E+Thorne.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</o:p>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Little cutie right there. He just came and plopped himself
down right next to me and took my tag haha. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Welp, I'm staying in Jupiter South for
my dying transfer.. Elder “M” is leaving though. So I get to go to transfer
meeting :) I don’t know what else to say.. That's about it. We went bowling
again last week :) I got a 198. I was so mad I didn't break 200, but it was all
good. It's surprising since I haven't been in so long. We're going to the
lighthouse today. And maybe bowling again. I love you! Bye!<o:p></o:p></div>
Reese Thornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539159481166612778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6770480858813176173.post-60606643664998885602013-08-05T18:06:00.004-06:002013-08-06T04:40:25.332-06:00Remember!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xbzyP5B9vyo/UgA9776o3xI/AAAAAAAAAOw/hC5MM7sP_2U/s1600/Satchel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xbzyP5B9vyo/UgA9776o3xI/AAAAAAAAAOw/hC5MM7sP_2U/s320/Satchel.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: white;">Biggest news from the mission world is that back packs are
now forbidden, and we must wear shoulder bags. Elder “M” and I found some good
satchels at TJ Maxx. We first went to the mall; we actually had to bike because
we were out of miles and the other elders didn't have enough to come down to
pick us up.. So we biked to the mall (it's a really nice mall over here), and
went all over trying to find good shoulder bags. Well no one had any that were
good, and the good ones were all at least $150.. Every time we'd ask an
employee if they had shoulder bags for men, they would give us a weird look and
then tell us no. Ha. It was kind of funny. We were at the mall for like 2 hours
trying to find these flippin’ bags. Finally we asked someone if they knew of a
place that would have them. The guy told us that TJ Maxx or Ross should, and
that they are just down PGA Blvd. So we left the mall and headed east on PGA.
We found the TJ Maxx, started in the purse section (I was so ready to just buy
a woman's purse at this point), then we headed to the men's and they had small
shoulder bags over there! So we got us some pretty sweet satchels. Elder “T”
and Elder “B” got some bigger bags. But I know, I look pretty good.</span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> The “M's” are doing well.
We saw them a couple times this past week, mainly just stop by's and answering
questions or dropping something off. We feel like as much contact as possible
will help them progress more. Man, they are so cool. They know everything, it's
just a matter of them making the choice to be baptized. Sometimes people reach
a point where they don't really see the importance of or how many
blessings will come to their lives as they are baptized. They just need to take
the step of faith and do it. Actually dad, remember the article you sent me
about BYU's athletic director? I gave that to them, I hope it will help. We're
pulling out all the stops. We even gave her a copy of "Jesus the
Christ"! I mean, come on! How prepared can you be?..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"> I've been reflecting a lot this past 8
months, and especially this past couple weeks, on "Remembering". I
don't think there's any more caring and repeated counsel throughout the
scriptures, especially in the Book of Mormon, than that to "remember".
'Have ye retained in <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">remembrance</span>..?</span>'
Alma asks frequently in Alma 5. Helaman counsels his sons to remember, remember
in Helaman 5. Nephi remembers who he had trusted and who had delivered him from
his enemies in his poetic psalm in 2nd Nephi 4. And King Benjamin, in his
"angelically delivered sermon", calls us to 'remember and perish not'.
If you don't remember, you forget. Sometimes remembering the good is the only
thing you have when times are tough. Sometimes a good memory is an answer to a
prayer. When God has given you an answer to a prayer, and we ask again and
again, it's kinda like when He talks to Oliver Cowdery, (in essence, of course)
"I already told you. You already felt the Spirit confirm to you that it's
true. Remember?" If we're not willing to remember the good, and if we just
forget how good something is and we let ourselves forget, then we show God that
important things don't matter. We let the little unimportant things take up
most of our time. Remembering is a vital part of our growth and a huge part of
God's plan for each and every one of us. For me, it's remembering everything
that I've gained on my mission because of the struggles. It's remembering my
sacred experience of having God's love given to me by an angel. Most of the
time, that is the thing that gets me through my trials and troubles even to
this day. It's been amazing to study these things out and especially apply
"remembering" to my life. There's a talk by Elder Marlin K. Jensen
that I printed and am going to read later on, I exhort that you all do the
same. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"> I wish I had more to report on. Like
always, we have some people that we're working with. We're struggling finding but
I know it will happen. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><o:p> </o:p> Welp.. I miss you all like crazy. I can't
believe the time is coming up. I love you all so much! Oh, and I told Hailey
that I might not get an iPhone. So if you're planning to surprise me with those
things (especially that Camaro.. :) haha), don't get the iPhone yet. And maybe
not a laptop. I'm having a RC hook me up with some programs like AutoCad and
Photoshop (Thank you for South Florida ;)), but it might just be for desktops.
I love you guys! Bye!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: white;">Elder JR Thorne<o:p></o:p></span>Reese Thornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539159481166612778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6770480858813176173.post-38349545750362369342013-07-29T19:31:00.001-06:002013-07-29T19:31:20.615-06:00A little progress, but some work to do
Hey hey.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Man. I have been doing this for too long. I just don't know
what to say anymore.. I'm good. I've been SO so tired this past like month.
They say you just get used to getting up at 6:30, I'm still waiting to get used
to it...<br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Well.. Hmm.. So the “M's” are doing good. “K,” the 10 year old
daughter, is so down to get baptized. She's just got to talk to her parents
about it. We told them that it would be much better if they all did it
together, but if “K” wants to go ahead and do it, then we will. Maybe the next
lesson will be on becoming as little children... Haha but they're so
great. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Anyway, we're at the library today, so I have a time limit.
I don't have a whole lot of time left. Um.. We were able to find some sweet
people this last week. Unfortunately, none were able to make it to church. It
could be because it's so far away, but I don’t know. I'm going to study out
some sweet doctrine on church and the sacrament to help boost their desires to
come. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
But yeah.. Love you all. I'll try to come up with more next
week. <o:p></o:p></div>
Reese Thornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539159481166612778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6770480858813176173.post-69777268756601085822013-07-22T17:42:00.001-06:002013-07-23T19:54:03.049-06:00"Sunrising" and act, don't be acted upon!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DmMOQjYTvNA/Ue3DSlY_0hI/AAAAAAAAAOc/RBvITksIIXo/s1600/Turtle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DmMOQjYTvNA/Ue3DSlY_0hI/AAAAAAAAAOc/RBvITksIIXo/s320/Turtle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">
<br />
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: white;">What's up what's up.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: white;">
<br />
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: white;">We went sunrising again today. It was pretty good. Other
than the fact of waking up at 5 in the morning.. Oh well, it was WELL worth it.
We saw, about 100 yards away from the pier we were at, some dirt that was
looking like it was being kicked out of a large hole. Elder “T” noticed first
and said it was probably a turtle digging holes for its eggs. We kept looking
over but couldn't see anything other than just the dirt flying out of the hole.
Right as we're about to leave, Elder “M” goes, 'Look, the turtles coming
out!" And there she was, a huge sea turtle coming back out to go to the
ocean.. And it was big! I'd say about 4 feet wide and 5 feet long. It was so
cool! We got to see it scoot back into the ocean.</span><br />
<span style="color: white;">Hmm.. This past week was just one of those weeks.. This was one of the hardest
working weeks ever. I was super exhausted at the end of the night, I was
sweating all day, doing my best, but nothing really happened. “B,” “K1,” “K2,” “K3”
and now “D” moved up somewhere else, still in our area but farther away. We
managed to catch “K1” and “D” at home last Saturday. That was good. Man.. I
don't even know. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: white;">
<br />
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: white;">I can't believe Tyler Tempest is home! That's crazy.. OMG I
can't believe the Celtics!... That is insane. Man what are they gonna do...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: white;">
<br />
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: white;">Not much news on progress of investigators. We're going to
go see the “M” family tonight. They are so cool. They need to get baptized.
They're right there. There are so many blessings waiting for them. I'm not
totally sure what to do..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: white;">
<br />
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: white;">But yeah.. Honestly I don’t know what else to say. I'm glad
I'm here. Even though it's a little bit tougher, I will do my best never to
take the easy way out anymore. That's not the way God wants it. People are so
stupid to think that just because something is right there in front of their
face, that's what they need. There's such a thing as too much reliance on God.
To sit there and to wait for Him to pick you up and take you somewhere and make
you do something. You don't ACT, but wait to be acted upon. And eventually
you'll be trodden down and cast out for you foolishness and weakness. You'll
never survive. You'll never make it. I don't need to waste my time being around
such useless people. I am harder, better, faster, stronger because I want to
be. And I know that God will strengthen me more because He can trust me.
Because I've set my hand to the plough, and I will NEVER look back. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: white;">
<br />
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: white;">"You show your trust in Him
when you listen with the intent to learn and repent and then you go and do
whatever He asks. If you trust God enough to listen for His message in every
sermon, song, and prayer in this conference, you will find it. And if you then
go and do what He would have you do, your power to trust Him will grow, and in
time you will be overwhelmed with gratitude to find that He has come to trust
you."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: white;">
<br />
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: white;">And the Celestial Kingdom is reserved only for those who God
can Trust.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: white;">
<br />
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: white;">Love you all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: white;">
<br />
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: white;">Peace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: white;">
<br />
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: white;">Elder JR Thorne<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: white;">
</span></span><br />Reese Thornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539159481166612778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6770480858813176173.post-27868202621735061312013-07-15T17:30:00.002-06:002013-07-15T17:30:31.766-06:00Alma's parable of Faith
Dear Thorne's and such,<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Thiss week was goood. I feel like nothing happened out of
the ordinary. Just kind of the same old. We got a few new investigators, but
not like any awesome super prepared people. Oh, I guess there's a couple. So “K1”
and “K2” live in a halfway house (honestly if you just met them on the street,
you'd have no idea). The first time we went, we blessed “K1.” We went back to
teach, we met “K2” too. Then the 3rd time, we met “B.” Then the 4th time we
went over, we met “K3.” haha. All way solid, open, humble guys. “B” is super
amazing. We've actually taught him the most. When we first met him, he had a
couple questions about like who we are and what we do and such. As we were
leaving, “K2” told us that he accidentally took out the book mark that we had
left in the chapter we left him to read and asked where he was to put it. I
honestly had totally forgot what chapter we left (Elder “M” left a random one).
I remember we had talked about faith, so I just took it and placed it in Alma
32... <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
So.. We came back the Next day and “B” was outside chillin'.
He invited us in and he walks back to his room and he goes 'Yeah I really loved
that reading you guys left'. And we were just like.. Um.. Ok. We never left
anything with him. haha. But he had read the whole chapter and absolutely loved
it. He was like, 'Do you want to read the whole thing, or do you want me to
just talk about what stood out to me and what I liked?' OMG. So awesome. He
told us about some verses that he loved and things that really hit home for
him. He said it was perfect for him. Inspiration from God? I think yes. He's
been super solid. His dad is a member, married a Catholic girl; so he grew up
in a split home where they kinda just gave up on religion. So we're trying to
find out if he's actually been baptized already haha. He doesn't
remember. <br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Hmm.. Oh yeah so the “M” family.. “B” and “J.” I don’t know
if I've told you about them yet. But they are the typical, white investigator family
that every Mormon expects us to teach. When we go over, it's the mom and dad
and all the kids in the living room listening to the missionaries asking
questions such as, "Where did we come from?" "What happens after
I die?" and "How can we know if something is true or not?" You
know, all those people that are being taught in the Mormon movies. Haha. k
that's a little bit of an exaggeration, but just a little.. It's super strange;
I kinda don't like it. haha. Nah but I love this family so much. They're great.
Missionaries have been teaching them for about 5 months or so. They are 100%
totally and completely are qualified for baptism. “J” is so solid, she studies
the gospel more than some members I know haha. Pray for them for sure. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Welp.. Other than that. Life is good. I like it. TLund looks
(good) :) hahaha tell him to write me. I love him. Huge example to me. Can't
wait to see him again. I miss you. I love you. K bye.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Elder JR Thorne<o:p></o:p></div>
Reese Thornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539159481166612778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6770480858813176173.post-60119724095077240522013-07-08T18:44:00.001-06:002013-07-08T18:44:39.698-06:00Habiendo sido comisionado por Jesucristo...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bjyCQqHTHcc/UdtcpREXMFI/AAAAAAAAAOM/v-GUl0Kn1Qk/s1600/P1040776.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bjyCQqHTHcc/UdtcpREXMFI/AAAAAAAAAOM/v-GUl0Kn1Qk/s320/P1040776.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Dear family and friends.<o:p></o:p></div>
“K” got baptized! Ah man it was so so good. She was all set. We didn't have to
make sure she was good or boost her desire, she was just prepared from the
beginning. She invited her family (her mom and dad) and they are from Peru.
They speak really good English, but pretty much everyone at the service (her
family and her bf “A's” family) are Latin, so we decided to do the service in
Spanish. Which is fine. Except.. I was the one to do the baptizing... So yeah.
I did it in Spanish. It was pretty sweet. I was way nervous at first, but once
we stepped in the water I was fine. I had memorized it, but we did tape up a
little help on the wall. I looked at it just right before, then did it with no
problem. It was pretty sweet. The whole thing was very spiritual. “A” was even
crying at the end, and he's a big tough guy haha. So good. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Other than that.. We seem to be struggling to find new
people. So that's what we're working on. Actually, we did find a couple pretty
sweet guys. Oh wait. First of all I'll tell you about my new comp. His name is
Elder “M.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He's actually Elder “B's”
cousin! (Who I actually received a wedding invitation from!) Anyway.. He's from
Rexburg, ID. He's even more quiet than I am; or used to be. He's been out for
about 6 months (I keep getting newbies..). We don't have like anything in
common, but we get along fine. I get along with just about anyone anyway.. But
yeah. He's cool. I love him.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Ok so back to the guys. On Wednesday, the first day with
Elder “M,” we ran into this cool guy named “K.” He's about 23 and he actually
had just walked out of his door to light up a cigarette. We blessed his home
and invited him to be baptized, and he said maybe. We set up to come back the
next day (we didn't realize that it was 4th of July). We were late going over
there because of a flat tire -__-.. and we caught him right as he was leaving
to watch the fireworks in downtown West Palm Beach. We were disappointed, but I
had a really good feeling about him. We tried a couple more times the next
couple of days with no luck, but then on Saturday in the early afternoon, we
stopped by and were able to meet with him. His roommate, “K2,” answered the
door and invited us in. “K” came out and we invited “K2” to sit in with us,
which he did. We had a powerful lesson about God being our loving Father in
Heaven and prayer. They felt it so strong and “K2” prayed at the end. He had
said that he does pray often, but he didn't know who or what he was praying to.
We taught them the steps of prayer, and he said such a good, humble prayer to
end us off. After the 'amen', his face just shone. It was so amazing. I loved
it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Def the highlights of the week. Other than that, we just need
some more people to teach. haha. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
But yeah. Life's good. I like it. I don't want to come home.
But I do. Nah I just want music and movies. Haha. So things I want when I get
home: 1 Beats (those are a must) 2 iPhone 3 Camaro SS 4 new laptop 5 actually i
think that's about it. haha. I'm not trunky.. Those are just things I miss most
other than fam :) I miss you guys the Most and I love you so so much!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Elder JR Thorne<o:p></o:p></div>
Reese Thornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539159481166612778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6770480858813176173.post-9141204589613415152013-07-02T20:40:00.003-06:002013-07-02T20:40:56.029-06:00FFLM Testimony of Jesus Christ Part 1<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ltfZkjSebnQ" width="480"></iframe><br />
Reese Thornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539159481166612778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6770480858813176173.post-47025252689733712412013-07-02T20:40:00.001-06:002013-07-02T20:40:38.496-06:00FFLM Testimony of Jesus Christ Part 2<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/6MqgwUpCzu4" width="480"></iframe><br />
Reese Thornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539159481166612778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6770480858813176173.post-75785401288236768952013-07-02T20:29:00.001-06:002013-07-02T20:37:20.806-06:00Florida Storm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1HgMFyGymrE/UdOOVh9gURI/AAAAAAAAAN8/_xRSfCx9Fsc/s689/P1040743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1HgMFyGymrE/UdOOVh9gURI/AAAAAAAAAN8/_xRSfCx9Fsc/s320/P1040743.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Sweet fam. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
This week was ok. Not a whole bunch happened. Just seemed
like the same old. Good news is, “K” has a date for next Sunday! We're very
excited for that. Oh. Except for Elder “W.” Because he's transferring. And I'm staying.
So.. Yeah. The craziest things from this week:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I don’t know if you watch or discuss the weather much, but
if you do, and you saw or discussed Florida weather, then OMG. You saw or
discussed the crazy rain we've had the past few days. The first real bad one was
on Friday. We were riding along, and there were tons of dark clouds in the sky.
We figured it was going to start raining bad, so we decided to go into Target
to go to the bathroom. We came out, looked out the glass doors, and saw that it
still wasn't raining. Elder “W” was like, 'Well looks like we're still good'.
And me, having been through situations like this, was like, 'hold on'. In
literally 10 seconds... Floods and lightning and thunder were all around
Target. It was Insane. People came running in and they were drenched. So we
hung out in Target. We walked around and looked at the toys. The lights kept
flickering on and off. Then the power went out, but the generators kept the
lights on. All the cash registers turned off, so they had to start back up
again which took forever. So we were in the toy section, and we hear this HUGE
crack of thunder, then all of a sudden, the generators died. I don’t know if
you've ever been in a windowless super store with the power out, but it is
PITCH BLACK. It was black for about ten seconds before the power came back on.
It was crazy. Finally it lightened up after about 45 min, I bought a camera
case and we left to go see “T,” a recent convert. We were at his house from
like 6:50 to 7:30, headed out and right as we leave his apartment complex, same
thing. Except now we were outside, on bike, riding to our car. We decided to
just keep going since we had a meeting at 8 at the church. We got obliterated
by water.. I haven't been that wet in forever. We were waiting at an
intersection right by the car, and I look down the street, and about 150 yards
up, I see a bright white light above the street. I'm thinking, ah man is that
pole going to get struck by lightning? Then all of a sudden, BOOM! A power box
exploded and the whole street went dark! I started freaking out and just booked
it to the car. Haha. Ah wow. It was insane. I love Florida :) We had to stay in
the apartment on Sunday for like 5 hours because of the storm. We were in the
other elders apt and played some games. It was ok. Ha. Days like that are
pretty annoying. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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But.. Anyway.. That's about it. “D” is still awesome. “W” is
still awesome. Our investigator's are doing alright. “K” is the story of the
week. Look for pics/update next week :)<br />
K love you all! Have a good week! Miss you!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p>Elder JR Thorne<o:p></o:p></div>
Reese Thornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539159481166612778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6770480858813176173.post-15450081729896144722013-06-17T17:15:00.002-06:002013-06-17T17:15:52.193-06:00"I can't stop smiling!"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E4nYhgBAxV8/Ub-YgVJto8I/AAAAAAAAANs/pchw-LjiliM/s1600/W.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" cya="true" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E4nYhgBAxV8/Ub-YgVJto8I/AAAAAAAAANs/pchw-LjiliM/s320/W.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Welp. This week was fan-freaking-tastic. “W” did get baptized! We taught him everything this week, he felt the Spirit super strong, he committed to live all the commandments, and he was baptized! So amazing how the Lord has prepared people so much. Ah and the baptism was SO amazing. The Spirit was way strong during the ordinance, then “W” came in happy as can be, smiling from ear to ear. I was sitting next to him and asked, "How do you feel ‘W?’" "I can't stop smiling" .. Aw. Loved it. We went over to his house after church and his 2 year old daughter was there visiting him. And I thought he was happy at the baptism, but you should have seen him with his daughter. OMG. He was like, "This is the best day of my life". Ooh. I love him so much. That was for sure the highlight of the week. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">We met with “K,” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>she's progressing well. We tried to get her baptized as well, but she was with her dad on Sunday and wasn't able to make it to church. Hmm.. Oh. We also have a girl named “J.” There's a recent convert, “M,” who got baptized in Feb, but hadn't been confirmed yet since after her baptism, her work started making her work on Sundays. So we've tried to stop by her a few times but never made contact. Finally we did, about a week and a half ago, and she's living with a friend, “J.” They're both about 25. Really cool. We got both of them to church yesterday and “M” confirmed! :) And “J” is gonna get baptized this Sunday! We just gotta teach her everything :) haha it's hard to meet with them. But it will happen. Yup..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">It's all good. Happy Father's Day dad. Hope it was as fun as it sounds. The card I sent is a stand up card so you can put it on your desk at work, only if you want to ;) That'd be sweet. I love you all family and friends! Stay safe and be good!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Oh. And another thing. The prayers were 'by invitation' at the baptism, so Bro “G” (who was conducting) got up and asked if there would be a volunteer for the closing prayer, and “W” goes ahead and bows his head where he's sitting, and starts saying the closing prayer!! (that happened in all our lessons and even in gospel principles) Ah. SO awesome! haha. He thanked God for being baptized twice in the prayer, and told God how happy he was. AMAZING.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Elder JR Thorne</span>Reese Thornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539159481166612778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6770480858813176173.post-10458653722515089162013-06-11T19:26:00.001-06:002013-06-11T19:32:20.655-06:00A revisit of "The News Story!"<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/TM-d0DHkm9g" width="459"></iframe><br />Reese Thornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539159481166612778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6770480858813176173.post-86588801067535710152013-06-10T21:18:00.000-06:002013-06-10T21:36:55.382-06:00Great week in Jupiter!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
“D” got baptized! Ah SO SO awesome! I'm so happy for him. On
Saturday, I was in Stuart on exchanges with the zone leader's, and Elder “W”
went over to see “D.” We had the zone leader's from the Palm Beach zone come
interview him since they speak Creole. “D” was super hesitant before the
interview about baptism, because he wanted to know more. I don’t know who did
the interview, but they had an amazingly super spiritual experience and “D”
agreed to be baptized! His only concern was that he felt uncomfortable at the
Jupiter ward, since 1) he's the only black person there and 2) he can't
understand what's being taught. After some counsel and discussion, we decided
it would be best if we passed him to the Palm Beach ward and get him baptized
there. There's a lot of Haitians in that ward (it's like the Boynton Beach
ward), so we knew that in order to help “D” most, we'd pass him. He lives
pretty close to the border anyway, so we figured it'd be fine. So we lost the
baptism for our personal area, BUT. He got baptized down there yesterday! Which
is all that matters! Man it was awesome. He's still in our area so we'll still
be able to go see him :)<o:p></o:p></div>
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That was definitely the highlight of the week. We're also
teaching a girl named “K” she's the girlfriend of a member, “A.” He's 20 and
she's 18. Super cool and super willing. She's progressing well. She should be
all set for this Sunday.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Also, a miracle from yesterday: A lady in the ward brought a
friend to church. I guess they're in the same AA class or something. This guy's
name is “W.” We saw him at church and I kept wondering if he was maybe one of
the other missionaries' investigator or if it's just a LA person coming back.
At the end of church, Bro “M” (WML) came up to us and asked about him. He told
us that he wasn't a member and that it was his first time at church. So we
rushed over and talked to him. We asked how he liked church and he said he
liked it, we identified the Spirit that he felt, then I invited him to be
baptized next Sunday, and he said yes! We set up to go see him later on that
day. SO.. When we were teaching him, he told us that he met with missionaries before
down in Miami about 10 or 11 years ago, but he told us he never got baptized.
He lost contact with the missionaries and moved up here. He said that he's
known the member for a while, and that when he got to church with her
yesterday, he was so excited to see that it was the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-Day Saints. During the lesson, we solidified his date for next Sunday.
And during the closing prayer, he says " And Lord, Thank you for giving me
a second chance to be baptized in your church". SO COOL. Spirit was so
strong.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Life is good as you can see. I'm loving it. I don't want it
to end. I'm definitely a new man. I've been changed through the Atonement of
Christ. I am so grateful for it. And even though people try to
go against me, I am TOO STRONG. They have their reward. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I love you guys so much. Thank you for your help and
guidance. See you soon.<o:p></o:p></div>
Reese Thornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539159481166612778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6770480858813176173.post-87716742158064483402013-06-03T18:00:00.003-06:002013-06-03T18:00:56.399-06:00Feeling good in Jupiter
Yeah so remember the awesome lady that we were lead to down
in Fort Laud? She got baptized last Sunday! Ah it's so so awesome. I'm so
excited. <o:p></o:p><br />
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Anyway.. This week has been good. I'm starting to like it more
here. The only problem is that church is SO far away. Ugh it's annoying. We are
teaching this Haitian guy, “D.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
honestly don't know if I've ever loved an investigator like I love this guy. 2
lessons ago, he told us that he's really sad because he doesn't have a job. He
pretty much begged us to pray for him to get one. I really almost started
crying when he was telling us these things. Oh, the thing is, his English is
super super limited. He speaks Creole and French. He doesn't understand us a
lot of the time. I think that's why the love is so important because if he can
just feel our love, he'll feel the Spirit. He has come to church once; not this
past Sunday, but the last one in May, my first in Jupiter. Then yesterday we
went over, and we were trying to commit him to be baptized this Sunday. There
is a member in the ward, Sister “N,” who speaks French who has come with us to
some lessons. So we called her last night during the lesson because we didn't
think he was getting what we were trying to get across haha. But he said he
wants to learn more. He doesn't want to fall back after being baptized. He told
us that his wife (who has a job) does voodoo back in Haiti, and will send money
to her family back there to do it. She won't give any money to him to send to
his baby in Haiti. Sometimes when they're arguing or fighting, she'll take away
his food. He feels alone because he's the only one in his family in the states,
while she's got tons of family here. He knows he has to follow God to show how
much he appreciates Him. “D” also told us that today actually, it's been a year
since he got in a horrible car accident. The other 3 people in “D's” car died.
He broke some bones, but he said that he knew that God protected him for a
reason. He's just scared about what will happen with the family situation if he
gets baptized. He needs a job to support himself in that home, or what he
really wants to do is move out. It's a pretty crazy situation. I love him. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Other than that.. haha. The ward is cool. We have 2 meals
this week. Not bad. I got the package. Me and Elder “W” are having a great
time. The work is moving along. We're gonna see tons of miracles this week.
I''m excited. We're in a library right now and I only have 12 min left. So I
gotta go email President :) So I love you!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
Elder JR Thorne<o:p></o:p><br />
Reese Thornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539159481166612778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6770480858813176173.post-78692033249016798522013-05-28T17:17:00.000-06:002013-05-28T17:17:02.032-06:00Jupiter South<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m4FYBLKFVyQ/UaU6zmYpmsI/AAAAAAAAANU/V80gFS5zTpA/s1600/Woodard-Thorne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m4FYBLKFVyQ/UaU6zmYpmsI/AAAAAAAAANU/V80gFS5zTpA/s320/Woodard-Thorne.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hey family.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sorry I didn't write a full letter last week. We were all at
the church and I wanted to spend as much time as I could with my friends,
especially Sister “B.” Man It was a rough couple of days over there. I miss them
all so much. That was the best district ever. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Being in the trio was SO awesome. We had such an amazing
week. Quick story from Fort Laud last week: One day (I think Friday), we were
up by North Federal (20th East) and Sunrise (10th North). We were about to go
harvest, so we prayed and asked where we should go. Elder “V”goes, "..by
Bro. “B's” house." Which is about Broward (the 0 line) and 15th Ave (15th
West). So we head over there. We drive right past Bro. “B's” on 5th, and Elder “V”
goes, "Tell me left or right". I say, "Just keep going." We
drive all the way to the end where it's a dead end, either left or right, I go
"Go left". So we turn, go down the street to the end, park, and start
knocking. We found an AWESOME lady named “T.” She is so prepared. We arranged
to go to her house on Sunday morning at 8:30 so she could follow us to church.
So me and Elder “V” go over, her van's not there. We knock, nothing. I give her
a call, rings twice, IGNORED. I was thinking ah crap. We were super worried. I
had a really strong feeling to call again. So I did. She answered and said that
she didn't want to be late so she had left already to find it on her own and
she was already there! Miracles baby. God is good. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Anywayyyy.... I'm in Jupiter South. With Elder “W.”
We live just the 2 of us down in Palm Beach Gardens. It's super weird since I
haven't been in a 2 man since the first time in Wellington. It's whatevs. There's
us, Jupiter North and Stuart North (sisters) in the district. I went from 10 to
6. Which is ok I guess. Everyone is just so far away! It's so weird. It's an
interesting area. Jupiter has always gotten a bad rap. But me and my companion
are trying to figure out a way to change that. The ward is pretty cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing super cool happening here. We've got
a couple cool people we're teaching and finding. We were able to go to a BBQ
yesterday with some members which was pretty sweet. Umm.. idk that's about it
for now. No one currently preparing for baptism. We have some peeps that potentially
can. We just need to get them more solid. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Life's good. I'm good. I can't believe I only have 3
transfers left. It's crazy. It's been awesome. Thanks for being the best family
ever. I have no regrets and I'm grateful for everything that has happened to
me. I miss you all like crazy. I love you a ton!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Elder JR Thorne<o:p></o:p></div>
Reese Thornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539159481166612778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6770480858813176173.post-64898534422645554042013-05-13T18:09:00.003-06:002013-05-13T18:09:23.005-06:00A week in pictures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Reese Thornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539159481166612778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6770480858813176173.post-48837580096802019732013-05-06T16:30:00.001-06:002013-05-06T16:30:17.717-06:00A good week
<br />
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Dear Family<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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This week was a good week. A lot better than last.
Unfortunately, “D” was not baptized. We were only able to meet with her once
this week. We're going to try really hard to see her at least twice this week
to resolve any concerns that she has. She was able to come to church though. On
Saturday, I went on exchange with Elder “M.” He's Elder “B's” comp. He's like
the nicest person in the whole world. We had a lot of fun. Most of my exchanges
are just full of crazy situations and a whole lot of hard laughter haha. That
was on Saturday. At like 8:30, the sisters called (Elder Thorne’s Companion) Elder
“B” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and said that they had just met a
less-active lady who really wanted to come to church and bring a nonmember
friend. So the sisters told them that we would get them a ride... (-__- .. I
know right?) We called a few people that night but had no success. In the
morning, luckily we were able to get Bro “P” to go get them. They came and we
met them and the LA lady's name is “G” and her friend/roommate is “P.” The
sisters had talked to “P” about being baptized and she had said yes. “P” loved
church and we went over last night with Bro “A” and had a really good lesson
and she's preparing for this Sunday! We're super excited for that. We have
found some good people this last week, I'll let you know how they're
progressing next week if they turn into anything.. Ha. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
So Elder “T,” the creole missionary, has been having some
health issues. He's had to stay home for most of the week. We're able to take
their car when they're not using it, and sometimes we rotate where Elder “V “will
go with either me or Elder “B.” It works out pretty well. <o:p></o:p></div>
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This morning we went to go check out the temple! It was way
sweet! I'm trying to upload pics, but it's taking forever...<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well.. that's about it for this week. Idk what else to say.
I can't wait till I can talk to you guys next Sunday! Love you!<o:p></o:p></div>
Reese Thornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539159481166612778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6770480858813176173.post-26012204993915726782013-04-29T17:59:00.003-06:002013-04-29T17:59:38.927-06:00Minor(?) concussion
Hey family<o:p></o:p><br />
This week was ok... So.. Last Monday, after emailing, we
were playing some basketball with the sisters.. And.. Sister Chavous and I both
went for the ball.... And her elbow went straight into my head. Like right
under the chin, where you try to hit someone while boxing to knock them out. I
didn't get knocked out, but I got a minor concussion :) From Monday to Thursday
I was down and out. Ha. I'm fine now. Everything's all good. It just made for a
boring week ha. But here's a crazy story. “D” was all set to be baptized
Sunday. We had a super good FHE on Friday with a member family at their home.
And she was all set to be baptized after church. Saturday at about 6, we went
over to review the interview questions. Right when she answers the door, after
greeting she goes, 'I was thinking we should push the baptism to next Sunday. I
have finals this week and I need to study and being at church for 5 hours will
mess that up.' So I go into Jaren mode (I'm super good at being under control
during intense emergencies) So I'm like, no. You'll do tons better on your
finals with the Holy Ghost. We'll do the baptism right after sacrament meeting.
You'll be home before 11. She said ok. But: problem. Now I have to coordinate
that with Bishop and WML. I call Brother “A” and tell him what's up. He said
he'll coordinate it with the ward, and I said I'll do the mission stuff. I
called the AP's and told them the situation and asked if they could do the
interview that night at 8 (we were going to do it during church Sunday). They
said probably and that I needed to talk to President. People have to come to
church at least 2 times before they can get baptized in this mission. She'd
only been once. So I called him. He didn't answer so I left a message. Bro “A” and
I are texting back and forth trying to figure out how we'll get the room because
the nursery is the baptism room. “D” had told us that she wanted someone of
'high rank' to baptize her, so we had Bro “A” ask him as well. President calls
back and I explain the situation and he gives the ok. Then I had to call the RS
president and other members to invite them. Then I had to call the senior
couple, the “S's” if they could go get “D” at 7:30 instead of 8:30. Then we had
to ride our bikes to “D's.” And she lives CLEAR in the heck out there. (We had
gotten a ride from Creole earlier). We met the AP's there at 8 and they were
still trying to figure out rides and getting people to church for their own
area. Elder “G” stayed with Elder “B” at the interview and I went with Elder “S”
to do an interview for them. We left and drove out to their area and the guy
wasn't home, so we stopped by a couple people. By the time we left there, it
was 9, so the other 2 AP's (there's 4) had to go get Elders “G” and “B.” Elder “S”
and I got to our apt at about 9:15. Then we waited there until 9:45 for the
other elders to get back! They get there and I give Elder “G” a hug and he
goes, "She needs a little bit more time. Call me if you have any
question." ....................................... What. Freak. So I
had to call Everyone back and tell them it was cancelled. Ugh. Dang. Oh well.
Next week :)<br />
LOVE YOU!<o:p></o:p><br />
Reese Thornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539159481166612778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6770480858813176173.post-72954715363407847592013-04-22T18:29:00.003-06:002013-04-22T18:29:57.632-06:00Really good week
Hey family!<br />
Once again.. Not a whole lot of time today. This week was actually really good.
I don't think I mentioned her before, but we have a sick investigator named “D.”
The Spanish sisters, Sister “C” and Sister “S,” found her and passed her to us.
She lives clear on Oakland Park and Dixie Highway, but she's totally worth it.
Well, we've taught her twice and both times we've been on exchange, so I
actually haven't taught her yet haha. But.. She came to church yesterday and
absolutely loved it! She has the cutest little 4 year old daughter named “K.”
She's preparing to be baptized this Sunday, “D” of course. We're super excited.
Our other investigator's all fell through on Sunday morning :( On Saturday
night they were all set, and we even had rides set up for those who needed
them, but they all bailed! :( There is one guy, “S,” who is SO cool. He wanted
to come, and he was so set. We taught him on Saturday night at like 8, and he's
like 'I gotta go pick up my kids in the morning at 9:30, then come to service.
What time does it start again?' "9" 'Oh, well then I'll go get my
kids at 7:30. No problem'. But then he didn't show up :( We called him in the
morning but no answer.. Idk. We're going over today. <o:p></o:p><br />
Other than that, not a whole lot. Well, that's kinda a lot
haha. but nothing personal. I'm excited for the clothes and toiletries.<o:p></o:p><br />
I love you all!!<o:p></o:p><br />
Elder J Thorne<o:p></o:p><br />
Reese Thornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539159481166612778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6770480858813176173.post-83117615833371180082013-04-15T18:17:00.003-06:002013-04-15T18:17:48.452-06:00An "okay" week
How is everyone doing? I'm doing pretty well. This week was
ok. Like, I feel like we worked super hard and were very diligent. Our numbers
just didn't show it.. It's way annoying. But whatever. I know we can't control
what people do. Man. <o:p></o:p><br />
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Anyway. We met a few good people this week. A couple people
who straightway said yes to baptism and were pretty solid. One guy who works at
the draw bridge right by the church. We also met a way awesome young woman who
apparently is super solid. I went on exchanges both Friday and Saturday into
the other missionaries’ area, so I didn't get to teach her. But she seems
pretty sweet. This week we're going to try super hard to get “K” baptized. No
more putting it aside and delaying it. It's got to happen now. And if she
doesn't see or realize that, then we're going to have to wait until she's
ready. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Me and Elder “B” are doing well. We mesh well together. He's
progressing really well. He's grown a lot.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I love you guys alot. Sorry for such a short email. Not much
new around here. We've always got lots of potential, we’ve just got to get it
done. I miss you all, but love you a ton more!<o:p></o:p></div>
Reese Thornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539159481166612778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6770480858813176173.post-28777254852597560032013-04-09T17:13:00.001-06:002013-04-09T17:13:30.166-06:00"The exciting mission!"
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Hey fam!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Man, General Conference was SO so good. I loved it a lot. At
the end while we were all talking (there were 14 missionaries there!), I
realized that it’s my last one in the mission! Wow. It's so crazy now fast time
has flown. Saturday was really really good. I loved President Uchtdorf's talk
in Priesthood, probably my favorite. And both the Saturday sessions before that
we're really inspiring and revelatory. Sunday was really good too, a little bit
harder to focus, but for what I got out of it, 'twas really good. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Being a district leader is alright.. I'm just so busy all
the time haha. Like usually from 9:30-10:30 I can just relax and write in my
journal or go hang out with the sisters in our complex, or just chill, but now
I have to call people or the zone leaders are calling me. It's crazy. So I'm
way behind on my journal now :( I'm thinking I can just use the recorder as a
voice journal. I'm sure that's not what you want to hear haha but I can't
think of anything else haha. I told sister “B” that she has to write in it from
now on, and I've only gotten a couple weird random notes out of that haha.
So to record my mission it will now be with my thoughts and voice. But yeah
being a dl is cool.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Being a dl and all, I now go on exchanges with all the
elders in the district. On Friday, I was with elder “A” (he knows the “M's”
too) and we went to go see this lady that me and Elder “B” blessed a few days
before. Herr name is “S.” When we got there, she wanted us to come in but her
husband wasn't home, so I was thinking, "bro “B” lives just up the
street". So I told “S” that we'd be right back haha. We hurried and called
bro “B” and he said he'll hurry and throw on a shirt and tie and he'll be
ready. We went and picked him up and headed on back. Our lesson with “S” was
one of, if not the, best lesson ever. The spirit was so strong from the
beginning and she is so prepared and so willing. When we blessed her home and
invited her to be baptized, she told us about how in the past couple of months,
random people would come up to her and tell her that she needed to accept Jesus
and that she should get saved. So she told us that this must've been a sign
from God. So I told her that He did send us there so that you can follow Jesus
Christ and get baptized. During the lesson we kept testifying and she had a lot
of good questions. She accepted everything we said. She really wanted to come
to conference but she had to work. She is a general manager at
burger king so she said she can just change her schedule for next week.
She's now preparing to be baptized on the 21st. It was awesome. And thanks to
bro “B” and God, we were able to see her and help her prepare.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Bad news time.. We're probably gonna lose the car.. I had a
feeling we would. Since it was just an extra this transfer because of an area
shutting down, I figured at transfers when everything got sorted out, they'd
give it to someone else :( well it was good while it lasted... We don't know
for sure, but I'm guessing it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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That meeting with President Anderson was one of the best
trainings/meetings I've ever had. I learned a ton and am a better missionary
because of it. It was so cool.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Aright I love you guys! Thanks for everything, I miss
you all. We get to talk soon! Love you!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p>As an additional note, Elder Thorne shared the following from the weekly
President’s email, “A returned missionary last week wrote me about her father
introducing her to Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve:“When
my dad introduced me to Elder Christofferson, he mentioned that I had just
returned from serving a mission. Elder Christofferson asked which one and when
I responded that I served in Ft. Lauderdale he said, ‘Oh, the exciting one!’
Isn't that awesome?! I knew our mission was amazing, but a member of the Twelve
Apostles thinks so, too! I had never been so proud to be a part of the
FFLM!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
Reese Thornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539159481166612778noreply@blogger.com0