He's Only Mostly Dead

¿Qué dice?

Espero que la semana pasada pasó bien para todos!

Little context for the title quote:

Missionary slang for when a missionary finishes and goes home is that they "die." This week, I gave my final testimony at zone conference and maybe feel a little like I got one foot in the grave, but the key here is that mostly dead means that I'm still alive. I still got time to give and things to do.

One thing that stood out was we had a devotional from a motivational speaker whose daughter served in this mission (she was actually in the MTC with me, but has now been home for six and a half months).

In the devotional, he spoke about using language that God can support and that allows the Spirit to testify of it. For example, saying "that's crazy" or "unbelievable" tells ourselves/our consciousness that things are without order and that we don't have faith they can happen. We either float or sink our own ships. Whatever we say and whatever our attitudes are, our consciousness will say "aye aye captain" and follow suit. We need to show faith, not sink our ships, and allow the Spirit to support the faith we show in our attitude and language.

As such, I began my final testimony with: "It is absolutely believable and part of God's plan that I'm here today."

I also shared a quote from Elder Uchtdorf that says:

"God’s greatest reward goes to those who serve without expectation of reward. It goes to those who serve without fanfare; those who quietly go about seeking ways to help others; those who minister to others simply because they love God and God’s children."

In short, this work is about turning outward as the Savior does and bringing others unto Him.

The rest of the week was a lot of hard work and cool little tender mercies. It's difficult, of course, but God truly puts people in your path to meet who are prepared to hear the gospel. There are so many people who progress well but for some reason or another aren't ready yet. We unfortunately saw that happen with a family we met, but I know they're being prepared and will be ready soon. I also know there are others who have been prepared and are/will be ready now.

¡Gracias por leer, que tengan una buena semana!

-Elder Teeples

Last week's email: "What? You're still here?"

Movie: Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Ferris says this to the audience/4th wall during the classic end scene. The audience thinks there's going to be more, but he's surprised to see them and assures them it's over.

Pics:

Crane on the Resaca

Backseat trio

Tarantula that survived getting run over by my bike

"No Parking Illness" (an English sign by Spanish speakers)

Birds (1 blue)

Cracked my phone this week... good thing I don't need this phone for much longer