Elder Jeremy Ashton Boyd: CLINTON EDITION: CHAPTER EIGHT

You have to use what you've been through to get to where you're going,

^ thoughts heard from across the pew in a very spiritual sacrament meeting.

Like the little engine that could, we've been chugging our way up the summit of progression. Too often, as I am realizing this week, the only thing preventing our little engines to climb the hill... is our little engines. Too many people are the kind of little engines that think they can't. Our sense of self-worth is VITAL to our progression and we can't expect to chug along without believing that we can. And the BEST news is, we're not alone on this railroad of redemption. Our conductor knows the way, he IS the way-- and as long as we attach and trust our humble caboose to loving direction, we'll make it up the hill. We are not little engines that can... we are little engines that will; IF we allow Christ to be our conductor. He will lead the train of our thoughts and actions up the hill of progression... if we only believe that He can and that WE can with Him. An engine will go nowhere without its' conductor-- and we will never progress without attaching ourselves to Christ. So, toot your horn of humility and CLIMB ABOARD little engines, cause we're about to chug on this, "one-way track" in the CLINTON EDITION: CHAPTER EIGHT.

There may be some of you out there whose engines run a lot like mine. In our yearning for excellence, oftentimes we (I) find ourselves becoming too hard on ourselves and on our, "engines." No matter the progression down the track, you, or rather I, always find myself struggling to be satisfied with how far I've come. Only when we (I) make visible, consistent, and concentrated progress along the way, are you (I) momentarily satisfied with what we've accomplished. Or in other non-metaphorical words, progression is a constant struggle for us perfectionists. If our engines aren't running at the maximum caliber and at full capacity, they aren't doing enough. It's a struggle, its a battle within ourselves, and it's one that can prevent each of our little engines from doing what they are meant to do.

Progression. A theme of this week. Sometimes I get in these, "moods" where I'm like... "Am I even growing?" or "Am I progressing?" Do you ever feel that way? Sometimes, even the most righteous routine can leave us upset with our static progress. Despite our best efforts, sadly we are sometimes not enough for ourselves. In those moments where we feel like we aren't changing, in those time where we feel like we are not enough... it is helpful to remember-- we cannot change without Christ. He makes bad men good and good men better, and his sacrifice was the ultimate catalyst for our progression. If you feel like you're in a chasm of constancy... repent. It may sound simple but I testify that it works. Talk to God about your struggles. Ask him what he thinks of you and what you can do better. Why not? He that knows everything ALSO knows exactly what to tell you to help you to change into the person you are destined to become. Why would you WANT to stay the same? When we're through changing, we're through. So, this life is really a transformation time to convert the natural men that we are- into the Gods we can become.

When it comes to progressing, remember:

• be patient with yourself. YOU can not change on your own, so no use in getting frustrated with the imperfect half of the process.

• repent daily- making a habit through daily communion with the Lord. He can sanctify us and prepare us for the perfecting powers of the Savior.

• results can only be measured over long periods of time. You can't expect to change overnight, and we can't expect a perfect God to withhold from you the refining process of progression.

• trust God. Trust that he knows how to change you and that he will; if you exercise faith in his hands and submit to his ways.

So yes, faith and repentance are seriously the answer to everything. Especially the question of progression. Men who give their lives to Christ will find that he can make a whole lot more out of them than they can.

By nature, we are spiritually sick. We are incomplete, broken, and sick human beings. Thankfully, the Great Physician cures the symptoms of sin and the ailments of the adversary. We can be healed. We can be healthy. We can progress.

One of the greatest highlights of our week, apart from Elder McEntire likening enduring to the end to a grilled cheese during Bible study, was the miracle of member missionary work:

Name a more beautiful melody:

"I want our ward to be a missionary ward and I need your help to do that."

The song of a submissive Bishop. One who will inevitably lead the Clinton army to great victories in the near future. As we conversed with this inspired man, his willingness to change made my heart skip a beat. He was willing to do whatever it took to help this ward become missionary-minded members. He inspired me! THAT is the kind of member I want to be. One of the many valuable lessons I've learned on my mission... the best members are also the best missionaries. Together we made a ward mission plan to help the ward increase in faith through the Book of Mormon. He stood at the pulpit on Sunday and invited the congregation to read the Book of Mormon; the spirit was tangible. I testify that through the medium of members, God will do his most marvelous work and miracles. I am a firsthand witness of the great goodness of God in preserving the elect for these latter days. Look out for the great goodness- they finna come out of Clinton in these next weeks!

And the preparatory steps to missionary-minded members was during this past weeks ward activity. Members need activities to have missionary opportunities and WHAT an opportunity this week was for all of that to happen! Anxiously, we spent the days prior to inviting our friends (both active and not) to this activity. The fruits of our labors were aplenty. We invited members to invite their friends-- and we saw such great success!

Apart from that, this week was a learning experience. I was able to truly understand what it means to be worthy. I strengthened my resolve to be a witness of Christ at all times and in all places. I was able to recognize prime opportunities we have throughout our day to receive valuable personal revelation. I want to testify that I know the Gospel has been restored and I know that if we believe- we can... we will... and our little engines will chug their way up the steepest hills of our lives. With Christ as our conductor, we need not fear. He will direct our paths and lead us on the straight and narrow track to the eternal station. You are progressing! You are changing! You are enough! And as soon as you believe that, you can really start doing something to make a difference in the world with all your unique talents and abilities that make you-YOU. HAVE A GREAT WEEK Y'ALL! ELDER BOYD LOVES YOU!!

The little Elder that could,

Elder Boyd

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