And a volume begins,
I'd like to recount a recently revealed, never before read, abridgment on the creation of the world.
"And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.
And God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good. And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered... except those in Vicksburg Mississippi. Those high mountains forever remained in place and increased in stature-- that they might prove those Elders herewith to see if they would do all things whatsoever the Lord God commanded them... on a bike." Yeah, I'm pretty sure that's how it happened. However, we are determined to prove to the LORD herewith that we are indeed willing to do anything he commands-- even if it demands the strength of elephant thighs. We are privileged to bike for the Lord and even more excited for another installment in the best two years- welcome my friends... to the VICKSBURG VOLUMES: CHAPTER ONE.
The motto of this transfer: D&C 133:31
" And the boundaries of the everlasting hills shall tremble at their presence."
Don't you get chills just reading that?
But in all seriousness, WELCOME TO VICKSBURG MISSISSIPPI Y'ALL. Quick observations from the other side of the river,
1.) The Gospel is still true.
2.) Mississippi is STILL the South.
3.) It is still locally accepted to use the word, "yall" as a conjunction.
4.) The fields of Mississippi are already white and ready to harvest.
Amongst many other things...
YES, we have arrived safe and sound! It's honestly a privilege to be here in Vicksburg. Simply put, the missionaries before us didn't have much going on in the ways of work... and seeing as Elder Sellers and I are both new to the area... looks like the Lord thinks we both have much to learn about ourselves, our submission to his service and our willingness to do his work no matter the circumstance; however, I know he is ever mindful of us, and that he walks the vineyards here in Mississippi. I am determined to make this area a promised land... those seeds are out there and our sickles are sharpened. What time is it?? HARVEST TIME.
Opposition and sacrifice are really just opportunities to exercise enough faith to see miracles. Something I shared in the Singing Sunday this week has resonated with us through the edification and sanctifying process we have enjoyed in the past few days.
I think there is no coincidence in the parallel of mountains to temples in the scriptures. Prophets oftentimes retreat to a "high place" to receive inspiration and instruction from the Lord. Similarly, our greatest afflictions (our mountains) can simultaneously be our moments of greatest holiness. The moment we endure through our mountains is the same time we publish peace in ourselves.
Feet calloused from the trek of trials are the same feet found on the straight and narrow path. But we need not assume that the path is all flat land... of course, there will be hills; somewhere you least expect them. But we can take faith in the simple truth that Christ is biking WITH us through the hills of our lives and as we reach the top we will find ourselves sanctified through struggles and purified through our pains. We too can be holy as we view our mountains as temples when we are high on our own mountaintops. And I would add with a metaphor, that the more you bike through the hills of your life... the easier it becomes to endure. Sure, you may need to pedal in third gear your first time around, but with experience, you'll find yourself stronger and able to manage the higher gears.
Now on to some MIRACLES from the week:
Like I said before, the work here in previous times... hasn't been the best. As a matter of fact, in the past three transfers, I think there has been a total of three new people found in this area? Well, as Neal A. Maxwell puts it, "Discouragement is not the absence of adequacy but of courage..." so we put our wills of Nephi to the test and went forth in courage to change the culture of the finding experience in Vicksburg. Pro tip in missionary work: you only get frustrated when you forget whose work it is. Frustration departs when you remember who you are and whose work you're doing. Naturally, it would've been easy to be frustrated. New area? New work? MANY HILLS? The odds were stacked against us. But instead of disbelieving our adequacy... we believed in the adequacy and power of God-- and in his strength, we truly can do all things!
We found eight new people to teach this week, we put one of them on date for baptism, and two of them came to church! Two members gave us referrals upon seeing our fire for the Gospel Now I tell you not this to boast in myself... but to exemplify Ammon and boast in our God. He has all power and all wisdom and man truly cannot comprehend the things that he comprehends. God comprehends that this area is worth biking and is a promised land in and of itself! If you are a willing instrument, I testify that God will use you, and he will strengthen you to fulfill the purposes he has in store for your use.
It's easier to be optimistic. We are so blessed. I am blessed beyond measure to be with Elder Sellers who pushes and inspires me to conquer the hills of my life. The best companions are the best friends-- and I know God knew that I still had much to learn from this man. That's the thing about discipleship... we can never truly become completely what God intends us to be-- but we can get close enough for his grace to make the difference. A quote I intend to live by for the rest of my life comes to mind as I have pondered my short time here in Mississippi, "discipleship is meant to be lived in crescendo." Being the music nerd I am, I resonate (pun intended) with the asymptotic relationship we have with Jesus Christ. And I know that these weeks in Vicksburg will be monumental to an everlasting conversion and an ever-increasing love for my Savior and his children.
Well yall, life in Mississippi is quite blessed. I think I'm growing to like this quaint town... even the hills. I'm excited to see what Vicksburg has in store for us as we continue to give the Lord our all. I hope you all acknowledge those hills in your life and look at them as opportunities for holiness. Though the way may be full of trials- weary not. A master bike rider and triumpher of trials- Christ is with you... every hill of the way. Stay tuned for next week- like the Grinch's heart, our thighs will inevitably grow three sizes larger. Hopefully, your confidence in yourself and your ability to bike mountains also grows a few sizes. HAVE A GREAT WEEK Y'ALL!! ELDER BOYD LOVES YOU.
From an Elder with slightly tighter pants,
Elder Boyd
This Week's FB Post:
"And these are they who have published peace, who have brought good tidings of good, who have published salvation; and said unto Zion: Thy God reigneth!
And O how beautiful upon the mountains were their feet!
And again, how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those that are still publishing peace!
And again, how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those who shall hereafter publish peace, yea, from this time henceforth and forever!"
And O how beautiful upon the mountains were their feet!
And again, how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those that are still publishing peace!
And again, how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those who shall hereafter publish peace, yea, from this time henceforth and forever!"
As we have biked the hills and valleys of Vicksburg I have had a great time to contemplate the steep slopes of our own lives.
What are your mountains?
I think there is no coincidence in the parallel of mountains to temples in the scriptures. Prophets oftentimes retreat to a, "high place" to receive inspiration and instruction from the Lord. Similarly, our greatest afflictions (our mountains) can simultaneously be our moments of greatest holiness. The moment we endure through our mountains is the same time we publish peace in ourselves.
Feet calloused from the trek of trials are the same feet found on the straight and narrow path. But we need not assume that the path is all flat land... of course, there will be hills; somewhere you least expect them. But we can take faith in the simple truth that Christ is biking WITH us through the hills of our lives and as we reach the top we will find ourselves sanctified through struggles and purified through our pains. We too can be holy as we view our mountains as temples when we are high on our own mountaintops.
Shoutout to Elder Sellers- back together again. Much love to my biking brother in the Lord. ❤
This Week's Photos:
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