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