SLIDELL SCROLLS: CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Hey, howdy, hello

Just another average week in Louisiana. Bountiful blessings. A colony of kiddos. The gnarliest of Nashville. And a restored Gospel. I'm sure we have Satan saying he would've gotten away with it too if it weren't for us meddling Elders. The adversary is no match for these mysterious machines. ZOIKS ELDER, we're back at it again, with the SLIDELL SCROLLS: CHAPTER FIFTEEN.

I've learned a lot about submitting to the will of the Lord this week. One of the many spiritual nuggets I have acquired as I have served the Lord for this short period of time is the value of one's will. Now, why is will so important, you might ask? As unprofitable servants, it's actually one of the only things we can actually GIVE up to our Father in Heaven. God cannot take your agency, nor your will- both must be willingly submitted. Neal A. Maxwell says it best: 

“The submission of one's will is really the only uniquely personal thing we have to place on God's altar. The many other things we 'give' are actually the things He has already given or loaned to us."

We speak so much of sacrifice as missionaries, but funnily enough, the LAST thing we are willing to put on the altar is our power of control over our own actions and emotions. Ironically, it's actually EASIER to conform to His desires and actions- because a with everything, he is perfect. Wouldn't you rather execute a perfect action, over one made in moral imperfection? I certainly would. As I've studied this concept, of course, God has given me opportunity after opportunity to exercise my studies. We were faced with many, "trials of submission" this week. As a representative of Jesus Christ, it's hard to bridle the passions of conversion. But sometimes... actually ALL times... because God knows what he's doing, it's so much easier to submit. We can do all we can do, but in the end, if we haven't chosen Christ, it won't matter what we have chosen. Yes, it would be AWESOME if everyone kept their commitments, and if the whole world got baptized- but that's not the will of the Lord. Sometimes you'll find that when things aren't going your way, it's just Gods way of saying, "I have better plans for you." 

“In either situation, the object is for our wills to be finally swallowed up in the will of the Father” (Msh. 15:7), eventually bringing to us the joys gladly given by the Father and constituting “all that He hath” (Gen. 24:36). In a very real sense, therefore, what we can take now foretells what He can give later! This reality should be kept firmly in mind as we understandably pray for relief from short-term stress or long-term trauma. We would, if we could, put periods, if not exclamation points, where God is content to put commas in the process. Either way, the “process of time” is needed to facilitate our incremental improvement (Moses 7:21). Therein, individual increments of personal improvement are often scarcely discernable by themselves, yet the cumulative process moves us ever closer to Home.”  

Tender mercy of the week: 

I have a keen elect sense. It's kind of like a spidey sense, but instead of getting arachnid superpowers, I have good taste in apartment complexes. As exchange magicians, we followed our elect senses... Some might have good taste in clothing, others in members of the opposite sex: but my forte? Humble living. We were living the hard knock life, dressed in sweat, and determined to find the elect. As many of you might remember from our last scroll, they have a special look about them... well, a few doors in, she gave us that look. "Hi my name is elect and I've been to church before and my twelve children are nine years of age and ready to go to primary and be baptized." We [the kids and Elders] proceeded to have a hi-five competition in the parking lot and enjoyed a very spirited game of duck-duck-goose with this colony of kiddos. Their MOM is actually golden, just moved here, and has committed to meet with us and come to church. Later on that night, we continued to see the miracles of the Lord. There is great power in missionary work when the people you teach realize how divine they are. A simple compliment. 

"Your smile makes me want to be a better person"

God knew she needed to hear that, that day. Isn't it wonderful how God often answers our prayers through other people? Whether it be a colony of kiddos, a contagious smile, or a minute with the elect, God has answered all my prayers through the experiences of this week. 

AND FINALLY, we were visited by a special guest this week- Jason Deere from the Nashville Tribute Band. Pretty sure, we're best friends, as we made eye contact through his closing song. His music filled the cultural hall with an undeniable spirit. Something he said really touched my spirit, and I thought maybe it would also speak to one of you out there: 

"Often times, people feel nothing with words... they gain no testimony from sermons or speeches.. and no faith is built through an audiobook.. but to those people, the spirit can be felt through music. And that's why I'm here. That's why I do this."

Isn't that so true? Our spirit languages differ greatly, and often times, what prompts conversion for one soul is a trial of faith for another. I personally resonate with music. You know that cliché, "when words fail, music speaks?" I would rebuttal, "when articulation fails, music speaks." I receive some of my greatest revelations through the sweetest melodies. The spirit was very strong in that meeting. 

Well yall, it's been quite the week! It's an honor to hold the priesthood and to be a part of this great work. I feel most privileged to labor with and love these people in Louisiana. I hope you all have the most blessed week, filled with miracles and music and submission. Oh, and lots of love and prayers... because ELDER BOYD LOVES YOU AND IS ALWAYS PRAYING FOR YOU!

From the least of these your brethren,

Elder Boyd

Jason Deere from the Nashville Tribute Band

 I spy with my little eye...

This week's Facebook Post:

You are a child of God.
So much comfort, power, love, and assurance lies in those six words.
You are a child of God.
As I have long contemplated the cure for comparison and the antidote for antagonism- one simple truth resonates with healing power...
A recognition of our divine identity.
If we would just realize how much God loves us, maybe we would in turn love ourselves a little more?
President Boyd K. Packer’s words are plain and precious: “You are a child of God. He is the father of your spirit. Spiritually you are of noble birth, the offspring of the King of Heaven. Fix that truth in your mind and hold to it. However many generations in your mortal ancestry, no matter what race or people you represent, the pedigree of your spirit can be written on a single line. You are a child of God!”
“When you … see our Father,” Brigham Young described, “you will see a being with whom you have long been acquainted, and he will receive you into his arms, and you will be ready to fall into his embrace and kiss him.”
You are a child of God.
#LBRMSingingSunday

SLIDELL SCROLLS: CHAPTER FOURTEEN

A sweaty salutations,

The highlight of my week was receiving two Dasani's from a perspiring nice boy down the street. Also, finding the elect: that's always a pocketful of sunshine on a cloudy day. And let's just say the sun SHINES IN LOUISIANA, like the vengeance of summer is felt in the most magnified of portions as we sweat our way through the day. But, on a positive note, hydrogen and oxygen have a beautiful relationship together and have united to bring water into this world, which I have never been more grateful for in my life. Dasani+ the fulness of the Gospel= a happy missionary. Shout out to that random hero, and shout out to the dispensation of the fullness of times- we couldn't be happier, and I'll tell you why in SLIDELL SCROLLS: CHAPTER FOURTEEN!

Sweat has never felt so good. And I've already mentioned that bodily function three times in this scroll, but I rationalize that it can't be mentioned enough when Louisiana is burning up like a Jonas Brothers 2008 hit single. There's a funny transition that happens when you serve the Lord that I like to call, "the endurance enigma." There reaches a time in the life of a disciple, when tribulations build testimony, when suffering sows success, and contention/opposition create conversion. Through the lens of perspective and growth, simply put, tough stuff isn't as rough. Thankfully, the Savior lives and exists, and because of that, we can have the utmost assurance that our prayers are understood through experience, and our assistance is delivered in perfect timing. It is an HONOR to sweat for the name of the Lord. It is a privilege to be rejected for a righteous cause and to experience an ounce of the persecution that the prophets before us have endured and enjoyed. The prophets and missionaries of the Book of Mormon are prime examples of the endurance enigma. Stories of old have exemplified how we can remain joyful because of our focus, regardless of our circumstance. When we consecrate ourselves, we become enabled to enjoy enmity. Sometimes God calms the storm... -sometimes God pardons our afflictions until we have learned how to better sail terrifying tempests- but sometimes, God lets the storm rage, and calms the child. 

Just some food for thought as I've pondered on my role as a representative of Jesus Christ this week. And in turn, as we prevail through persecution, we've seen the FRUITS OF OUR LABORS. Like, if the tree of Gondor was simultaneously an apple factory with rejuvenating branches:  

One of the biggest inscriptions in the blueprint of Christ's church is the fruits that come from the tree of the true gospel. Christ has said:

16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Elder Cox and I have had the ultimate opportunity this week, to recognize, teach, and reflect on the elect. We had a mutual excitement as we finished several first encounters, and looked at each other with the same thought in mind: "they were prepared." Each lesson brought to my remembrance a favorite quote from Preach my Gospel:

"A teacher of gospel truths is not planting something foreign or even new into an adult or a child. Rather, the missionary or teacher is making contact with the Spirit of Christ already there. The gospel will have a familiar “ring” to them. Then the teaching will come “to the convincing of [those who will listen] that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations” 

Now, as I scavenged for apostolic quotes or prophetic descriptions to describe this beautiful aura, I found myself drawn to a Disney role model; Quasimodo. Those of you who know me, know I love the hunchback himself; but little did I realize, the Gospel parallel within a favorite film...

"They had a kind of glow around them, it almost looked like heaven's light."

We have seen heaven's light this week-  privileged, blessed and trusted with some of the best people Louisiana has to offer. 

Other than finding and grinding, it was a great week overall! I'm digging the companionship unity between "father" and "son" and learning so much about what kind of parent I should be from my training of Elder Cox. Louisiana has never been better y'all. We found so many new people this week, some of them came to church, and most of them are keeping commitments. Who could ask for anything more? Mission life is the best life. 

Well, I hope you all have a LESS sweaty week, and with a little perspective, develop the endurance enigma. Not only are those prepared for the blessing of the gospel, elect, but those who already HAVE the blessings of the Gospel are already elect in and of themselves. Share heaven's light with a stranger. Give a bottle of Dasani to a sweaty man in need. I promise that as you do, you will develop a greater appreciation for the simple things in life... heaven knows I have. PRAISE HYDRATION. HAVE A GREAT WEEK Y'ALL! ELDER BOYD LOVES YOU! 

Currently a little less sweaty,

Elder Boyd

This Week's FB Post

If you needed an instruction manual to build a house, what would you use?
A plan of construction.
If you needed a tutorial on creating beautiful flower arrangements, where would you turn?
A plan of carnation.
If you needed a step by step, all inclusive, detailed, and entirely comprehensive guide as to how you can achieve lasting happiness in this life and eternal happiness in the life to come, what would you need?
A plan of salvation.
It is no secret to us, because God loves us, exactly how we can achieve happiness in this life. As a matter of fact, a supreme creator and loving Heavenly Father has long authored a beautifully detailed step-by-step guide, that if we were to follow, we would be guaranteed everlasting happiness.
Salvation. Happiness. Redemption. No matter what you call it, Heavenly Father's plan enables us to overcome what the world makes of us and to become what we were destined to be.
There is no mystery, or gray area in the gospel. We can choose TODAY to be happy, because God has provided exactly a way to do and to be so.
Or would you prefer to build houses and flower arrangements?
The choice is yours, but the plan is prepared.
#LBRMSingingSunday

This Week's Pics

SLIDELL SCROLLS: CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Salutations, random and acquainted citizens alike,

Yes, I know I've been rumored to have a poor digestive system... but yall, I've been FEASTING on the words of Christ, and digesting that good old doctrine, with no indigestion. This week's experiences have entirely been prepared for by the studies I have enjoyed. Time and time again, I find that a scripture I've read earlier in the day perfectly applies to a situation I encounter out proselyting. If you've ever wondered where the instruction manual is for this insanely complicated IKEA bookshelf, we call life- SEARCH NO MORE. Instead, search the scriptures, for in them is a detailed instruction manual, guaranteed to help you piece together even the craziest bookshelves of your life. We've been blessed this week, and I can't wait to share it with yall in SLIDELL SCROLLS: CHAPTER THIRTEEN.

Heres a quote I've treasured and cherished as I've applied the book of Enos in learning to communicate better with God: 

When Enos raised his voice high to heaven, it had nothing to do with volume. It had to do with the quality of the communication, the content of his soul as he sought further light and knowledge. There should be moments in every life when you put aside all distractions, worries, and troubles of this world and you ponder deeply about God. It is only in such quiet, still moments when our minds can reach into heaven itself. We can feel things long before we are able to see them.” 

Okay, this is Elder Boyd after the fact... I don't know why I decided to be dramatic and detailed with this story, but I guess this scroll is a Slidell Times bestseller now... 

Every whisper from the Holy Ghost is worth listening to- especially the ones about making brownies for old ladies. It happened not in the tumult of screeching children, or in the ruckus of the rioting relief society... but in the still small voice. 

I was sitting comfortably between a commitment-keeping investigator and the end of the pew. The faint shriek of the nursery filled the Sabbath air, as I tried my best to focus on the inspiration from the pulpit. The topic of this particular days' sacrament meeting was perfect- unbeknownst to me at the time- receiving personal revelation.  I had just finished my daily, "scan around the chapel" as I do every meeting, paying special attention to the front row of the congregation. As I was rounding the senior couples and the bishopric, suddenly my mind was fixated on a particular member of the ward. In passing, we had made small talk a few times in the hallways, but I had never felt more invested in this wonderful woman than I had at this time. For some odd reason, every fiber of my being seemed to combine to form a sudden singular thought... "go talk to her." We were in the middle of a spirit-filled speech, and the impression was irrefutable- "go talk to her." If I have learned one thing on my mission, it is to never doubt a positive enticement- usually, through following such, you'll find yourself on an errand for God. Well, this particular errand had me maneuvering my way out of the cozy bench, and over to a vacant spot in the front of the chapel. As with all promptings, however, Satan cuts into the spiritual frequency with a static of his own. "If I stand up, everyone is going to lose their focus on the speaker, and immediately preoccupy themselves with my whereabouts..." Apparently, my natural man reputation was on the line, and the little devil on my shoulder thought it would be more appropriate to remain seated and relish in the relaxation. But, just as the young boy Joseph Smith fought his way through the thick veil of darkness trusting in a brighter conclusion, I too knew there was a glorious reward awaiting me on the other side of that pew. So, I silenced the shoulder devil and got up. I followed the prompting- and no matter what culmination of anxiety or fear had previously beset me, I found myself next to this woman- lead entirely by the spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do. As I nestled myself next to her, I quickly noticed something wasn't right... her face was stained with mascara, from a waterfall of tears. I was called here for a reason. With great haste, I beckoned her to the foyer to diagnose the problem. It wasn't until this moment that I had noticed, she was one of the Hispanic members of the ward, with a very limited understanding of English. If there was ever a more appropriate time to pray for the gift of tongues... Simply and sincerely I asked,"What's wrong?" Her reply came as a desperate call for help, in the most broken English she mustered. "my stomach hurts." Suddenly my calling and election were made sure- this woman needed a blessing. I managed to summon the Elder's Quorum President, who luckily enough, doesn't speak a lick of English. We were able to give this woman a blessing, and the relief that came over her after the prayer was tangible. After we accomplished our mission, I retreated back to my original pew and enjoyed the spirit in the rest of the meeting- satisfied that God knew he could trust me, a simple missionary with a weird sacrament meeting routine, to run that errand for him. Later that evening, that same spirit prompted me to deliver her brownies- so we scavenged what baking ingredients we had, and ministered that evening to a sweet old woman, with a much better feeling stomach. :) 

Now you might ask yourself, "Elder Boyd, why would you dramatically narrate the events of an every day sacrament meeting?" I think, as with the First Vision, we have so much to learn about the character of God from this experience. God knows us individually and specifically. He knows how to PERFECTLY help us, exactly when we need it. He knows if our stomach hurts, so he sends his servants, because he loves us, to literally RUN TO US in our afflictions. He qualifies us with spiritual gifts to fulfill what he asks of us and loves us enough to ease our burdens. I learned so much about personal revelation from this past week- Satan hates prompting, but if we're willing to upset him- after the prompting comes the blessing. 

Other than that, Elder Cox was under the weather, yet again this week. Pro tip: just don't eat at sketchy Chinese buffets. The peppered chicken may LOOK harmless, but trust me, that clucker bites back 30 minutes later. SO, I was both a scholar and a housewife this week as I cleaned and studied my way to chiseled husband material. HOWEVER, God totally knew that we would be stuck inside and that we wouldn't be able to proselyte a whole bunch... so when we DID knock doors, he had already prepared many miracles for us, because he knew we were doing everything we could do. We had families literally run up to us on Saturday evening, in great wonder and awe about the Book of Mormon. It was a whole new kind of elect, as we weren't finding them... but they were finding us. We felt personally ministered to, as God provided a way for us to feel successful, in an otherwise hibernating week. In my studies, I have been studying about the enabling power of the Atonement, and through the course of events this week... I have seen that redemptive facet in action. 

Well yall, life is so good. Me and my favorite son, Elder Cox, are loving life together in the promised land. Shout out to all those prayers said for the gulf- that hurricane, like Satan, was pathetic. Elder Cox and I are gonna keep slaying and praying down here in the bayou... Never neglect a prompting. Whenever the spirit prompts you to make brownies for someone, do it. Trust that God knows you, and your situation, and is providing and preparing someone this second to answer your prayers and fulfill your needs.. oh yeah, and most of all, ELDER BOYD LOVES YOU!! Have a great week yall! Sending lots of Louisiana love and prayers your way! 

From a blessed brownie baker,

Elder Boyd

Apparently, it's raining A LOT! 😮

SLIDELL SCROLLS: CHAPTER TWELVE

Good morning from Gordon Country,

God does have a sense of humor. As many of you have probably heard, the gulf is fixing to experience a wee bit of a tropical storm these next few days. Now, as we buckle up for barometric brutality, I can't help but notice the foreshadow in God's timing: metaphorically speaking, we're expecting a spiritual hurricane in the month of September. God is just preparing the gulf people, for the spirit surge of the century. Look out Louisiana- you think Gordon is bad, wait until you get a whiff of Boyd and Cox... WELCOME TO SLIDELL SCROLLS: CHAPTER TWELVE.

When you run around Louisiana in a hurricane you experience baptism by fire.
TRANSFER NEWS: Praise God, we're staying. Elder Cox and I have oodles upon oodles of work, and it would be an injustice to separate this relationship at its prime. These next six weeks, we're hitting a category five. Grab your sandbags, ladies, and gentleman, cause tropical storm Boyd and Cox are a'brewing. Now, many of you might be asking, how exactly have we escalated our winds and broadened the eye of this storm? 

Joseph Smith once said:

“Whatever God requires is right, no matter what it is, although we may not see the reason there of until all of the events transpire.”

 Elder Cox and I were able to put this truth to action in our work this week. 

"Of whom much is given, much is required...." As missionaries, we are given SO much. The opportunity to preach the Gospel and guaranteed time to serve our fellow beings are the ultimate blessings. If you think about it... we are forever indebted to our Heavenly Father- because even when we do our part and obey his commandments...as if we are finally paying it forward... he blesses us still. So really, we're just in an infinite vortex of heavenly blessings, so long as we exercise obedience. So naturally, it is expected that we are required to do our part to repay, the un-repayable, of what's been given to us. A bit of a paradox, yes I know, but still, we must TRY. One of the responsibilities I have noticed as a missionary is to act upon entrusted promptings. God expects us to follow the spirit when he allows us entry into a portion of his will... We saw this in the grand example this past week, as we mimic Christ by going about and doing good:

We were knocking doors, as missionaries do, and felt inspired to knock on these two duplexes. Nothing came of the first three doors... but because absolute completion is a satisfying thing in missionary work, we topped off the trifecta with one door more. The nicest old woman, with the cutest broken English, answered the door. We managed to get in our purpose as missionaries, but really the language barrier made things.... basic. Luckily, however, in our happy-go-lucky missionary attitude, we figured out that she needed help moving this weekend! So in OUR broken English, we said:

"We come and help move?" 

....and we gave her our card, said our goodbyes, and thought nothing of it.
UNTIL Sunday Morning, we received a call from our dear friend, and she ACTUALLY asked for our help. If you ever want to make a missionaries day, call the number of the card. Guaranteed happiness. So, right before church we went over and were able to be of great help to them! Y'all if we hadn't of followed the prompting this poor lady would have been moving all of this stuff with her two skinny sons...Now, my suit pants aren't the stretchiest... but many hands make light work, and we were able to capitalize on the prompting and help out one of God's children. It was honestly, a huge testament to me that no matter what... if you're enticed to do good and you follow it... you will somehow play a part in God's plan.
This week we also witnessed how God prepares his, "storm chasers" when we visited with one of our more progressing people. Elder Cox and I have both been immersed in studying the Atonement of Jesus Christ this week...little did we know, it was God preparing us both for the lessons we were going to have that week. I have been earnestly studying the difference between doctrine and application. Too often as members and missionaries, we get caught up in providing solutions through, "applications" when a more eternal cure is found in the "doctrine." For example: if someone is struggling with addiction... you COULD provide a ten-step addiction recovery program to help them... or you could help them understand the Atonement and its influence and extent in their life. Which method do you think is going to be more long-lasting? Well, this week we found success in the latter. As we explained the Atonement of Jesus Christ to our people, I SAW how an explanation of doctrine helped them to keep their commitments more than an explanation of application. I have also tried to practice what I've preached, and increase my own understanding of doctrine, to experience a change in character. I challenge you all to try it... the answer is always the doctrine. 

Well y'all we were kinda sick this week, but we came and saw and conquered. We were still able to see many mighty miracles because God was aware of our situation and rewarded us accordingly. I have such a testimony about the infinite virtue of our Savior's great atoning sacrifice. I have never felt closer to Christ than I have while serving his children... it is a great blessing to be a missionary. I hope y'all have the best week ever, and PLEASE keep the gulf in your prayers. Many people are concerned about the upcoming storm because of Katrina that pounded the area back in August 2005... so please pray for them. We're happy to stay another round here in Slidell and look forward to the spiritual hurricanes this upcoming transfer. HAVE A BLESSED ONE Y'ALL! Elder BOYD LOVES YOU! 

From your friendly everyday neighborhood storm chaser,

Elder Boyd

This week's Singing Sunday

"Off to the rescue he hastens... bringing them back to the fold."

Hastens.

The Good Shepherd runs to his lost sheep, eager to welcome them home.
"Since God uses disease as a metaphor for sin throughout the scriptures, it is reasonable to ask, “How does Jesus Christ react when faced with our metaphorical diseases—our sins?” After all, the Savior said that He “cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance” so how can He look at us, imperfect as we are, without recoiling in horror and disgust?

The answer is simple and clear. As the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ views disease in His sheep as a condition that needs treatment, care, and compassion. This shepherd, our Good Shepherd, finds joy in seeing His diseased sheep progress toward healing."

I love the metaphor of the Savior as the good shepherd. We are his sheep, and we are numbered individually as essential to the flock. He cares not of our shortcomings and diseases but instead rejoices as we apply his tender love and care, and become healed in his arms.
The rhetoric used in the Book of Mormon, that portrays this beautiful relationship perfectly:
Alma 5:60

"And now I say unto you that the good shepherd doth call after you; and if you will hearken unto his voice he will bring you into his fold, and ye are his sheep"

ALSO: Shoutout to the talented Macey Adams. Thanks for being a pal. 👍#LBRMSingingSunday

I think Elder Boyd is trying to give his mom a heart attack?!  I'm praying that's a pizza without any cheese he's eating!

I'm not sure what's going on with the shoe??!!

Elder Cox