December 9, 2103

Hey Mom and Pop and the rest of everyone who might read this..

 

How's a goin??

 

Anyways haha.. I'm doing better now.. just gotta stop being so down haha. easier said than done. Elder Izatt is great and helps me a lot. And now he's leaving? uggh. Oh well. And president asked me to train a greenie next transfer. Crazy! Hopefully I dont mess him up too bad..

 

And yeah I'll need some money to get dallen something and to be able to send it. haha I love our traditions. we had our ward Christmas party and it was a blast I loved it. We've been hanging out with the guy we just baptised. Stewart Amspacher. He is such a great guy and i love his family a ton. His wife is so close too I cant wait. My comp pointed out that I have had a hand in 7 baptisms so far. Its crazy. It doesnt even feel like it but once I step back and think for a bit. I have done soo much work already in just four months. But just like Ammon, in Alma 26:11-12

 

11 But Ammon said unto him: I do not boast in my own streangth, nor in my own wisdom; but behold, my joy is full, yea, my heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God.

12 Yea, I know I am nothing; as to my streangth I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his streangth I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever.

 

I love those verses. They are so true especially in missionary work. We can litteraly do nothing ourselves. Without the lord this is impossible. And I will praise the Lords name forever for the many blessings I have seen on my mission. I love the Lord and all that he has done for me and I love the scriptures and all that I learn from them. I was thinking the other day about all the persecutions that people have gone through for the Book of Mormon to come to where it is now. All of the sacrifice and the afflictions for a book. It is amazing that those people went through what they did. And I am so greatful that they did and didnt give up. Because without the Book of Mormon I don't know where I would be, but it would be a very dark and scary place. I need this Gospel in my life. If I want to be a good man and a good husband and father I NEED this gospel. Without it i am nothing. And the longer Im on my mission the more I realize that. Its amazing that we have it in our lives. And Im so greatful to have it in mine.

 

The church is deffinately not for the perfect. If it was then no one would be there. The church is there to lift and help those who are looking to better themselves and streangthen their relationship to God and Jesus. I love this time of year where Jesus becomes the focus of the times. Its sad that people dont really think about Him all year, but Im greatful for this time of year where the people turn and think more about Christ and what he has done for us. Without Christ we would all be lost. And I would be left to wallow in the pains and guilt of all my sins. But through Christ I can be forgiven and I can forgive myself, through Christ I can be made WHOLE.

 

Sorry for the roller coaster of emotions. Seems like every week my letters are different. Some depressing haha and others happy and spiritual and some just me. haha

 

Love you guys, and I miss you a butt load.

 

 

Love

Elder Bowler

Oh, PS--

Ok so a couple of quick things.

 1. I have a bike now.. Elder izatt was given one and now he has his visa so he's giving it to me.. And its a pretty nice bike.. Crazy i know

 2. also for Christmas if you're feeling generous can you get me two more pairs of those sock holder things... And some church movies.. Like mountain of the Lord, best two years, other side of heaven and any other awesome ones.. Christmas ones are good to.. And i really like the church history and D&C videos.. And these were all shown in the MTC so I'm not breaking any rules. Yay me!

 Also if you're feeling generous a little money wouldn't hurt.. I hate asking.. And i don't need it. But i wanted to get some things for Christmas for you guys and I'm broke till January..so yeah. Also can we still do brotherly gifts? And can me and Derrek still be included? Jw

Elder Izatt is going to the Salvador south Brazil mission speaking Portuguese.. I hate to see him go..we have grown to be such great friends.. And he hates to go too but he knows he has to.. 

Go listen to
1. Missionary work and the atonement
And
2 conversion of a catholic priest
On YouTube.. They are super great

I've been struggling lately Haha.. I'm getting sick of change and i am so homesick it hurts.. Elder Izatt helps me out a ton tho.. And I'll be training next transfer.. This is so hard. Uggh i just need to Getty through the holidays.. I wish i could come home for just like two weeks.. Haha oh well.. I can honestly say that a mission is the hardest thing I've ever done. But the amount of growth i see in myself is crazy.. Now i see trials as just another thing to make me stronger.. Yeah trails suck but whateves.. That's life i guess Haha.. And just in case you weren't before, keep me in your prayers.

I love you guys so much. I never realized how much I'd miss my family.. Crazy..