THE GONZALES GAZETTE: CHAPTER FIVE

A story was shared this week of a young boy who, upon getting lost on a hiking trip, found himself stuck upon a mountain. Those who accompanied this young man had surfaced the homeland long before they realized, one of their group had been left behind. One extra lemonade as the indicator, they began to panic-- where could he be? A few phone calls later, priesthood leaders, family members, and search and rescue teams had all banded together in heroism to save this young man. Meanwhile, this little boy had concocted a plan-- to ensure safety from wolves and bears, he had scaled the opposite end of the mountain, 400 feet up, and made a home out of a literal, "rock and a hard place." Rescue teams searched high and low, but they couldn't seem to find the strapping young lad. Helicopters, professional mountain climbers, and navy seals (presumably) pooled their intelligence and abilities in a great attempt to recover that which was lost. Alas, to no avail several days had passed, and our little friend was still suspended in the great abyss of a courageous hiking experience. That was, until, they prayed. Together these strong and mighty men bowed their hands and inquired of the Lord. Not a moment later the prompting came, "go South." Squads had been focusing their efforts on the Northern part of the mountain-- the area in which he was originally considered, "missing" but never before had they considered the other direction. Altogether they ventured the other way and within a few hours, the professional mountain climber had made contact with the boy. Hurrah for Israel! The boy had been found! A mother slept a little better that night and I am sure a little family had a stronger testimony of the power behind a ward family... Now, you may think this is just an epic story with a happy ending-- but after hearing this experience, I couldn't help but think of my journey as a missionary. We all have our, "mountains" I'm sure. And quite frankly... we all feel a little, "lost" don't we? I know I did. It took some time on the mountain before I could truly be found. Whether it was, physical limitations, social contention, misconstrued identity-- I hadn't found who I truly was, and it felt as though I was lost on a 50-mile hike. Even being on a mission-- I still felt like I was in the cavern, between a rock and.. well, quite the hard place. But I know in whom I've trusted... and knowing now what I do, there was a battalion of priesthood leaders and family members and loved ones who were anxiously rushing to help me to be found. I owe so much to my young men's leaders, my bishops, my spiritual mentors, and most importantly... my family. Together, they helped me to become the man that I am today... lost on that mountain I was saved by the light of some, "real professionals..." first: the Varners, carrying their cute little oil lamp, then companions with their flashlights who helped to show me the way; from experience to experience I felt like I was a step closer to surfacing my true identity from off the top of this mountain... and then finally, the Savior. The light and life of the world-- he came to me when I needed Him most-- he helped me to find myself, and to realize all those who had always been looking. And now I have the VERY unique opportunity to be apart of the search and rescue team for others' lost on their own mountains. With the light that I know, treasure, and love, I can help others to remember who they are-- and to know that there IS another side to this mountain they are climbing. 

We are Saviors on MOUNT Zion-- the Savior himself has said,

"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” 

“I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly”

“Behold, I am the light which ye shall hold up—that which ye have seen me do”  

He is my light and my life, and we too can be lights and give life to those who need it most. We are HERE to help others to remember who they really are; to seek and to save that which is lost. Now that we know what we must do, "see that ye do these things." We feel uplifted and enlightened here in the holy land-- truly, this has been a great week. Every week gets harder, but it gets better. Harder doesn't mean worse-- and we couldn't be feeling any BETTER here in the GONZALES GAZETTE: CHAPTER FIVE. 

Long introduction, my bad. 

When God speaks, you listen. 

When the Lord commands, do it. 

Anyways,

We've had some pretty unique experiences this week. Remember the pastor? Remember the church? Remember those elect humans who got baptized and married? Remember my companion? 

Let's talk about that. 

Well, first of all, there is no greater feeling than inviting a family to read the Book of Mormon, and then coming back for a return appointment to find out that they DID it?? I know, we are pretty easy to please as missionaries... but then again, we represent God, so don't you think our little acts of obedience and faith would make God feel the same way? We have high standards for joy here in this mission. 

BUT, remember the pastor? Remember the church? We went to Bible study this Sunday at our beloved, friendly neighborhood baptist church. The message was great, you could feel the spirit, the congregation was happy, it was a jolly old time. Towards the end of the study, the pastor invited us to say a few words; we just testified and expressed gratitude for the Savior and the tender mercy of attending their church. And then suddenly, the pastor paused for a moment... and then said, 

"do y'all wanna teach next week? You can share whatever the Spirit directs, we just feel inspired by you young boys from the West!"

WE GOT INVITED TO SHARE OUR MESSAGE AT A BAPTIST CONGREGATION. We also were told his conversion story-- how he had decided that Jesus was too much for him and prayed for a sign to tell him otherwise, and then he got electrocuted in a freak accident, which left scorched prints in his hands and in his feet. And so... he naturally took that as a sign that he needed to be a pastor for the rest of his life. These people have some crazy stories, let me tell you! Tell me, how many, "Ginger Christian men" do you know that be preaching at Bible studies?  The Lord has been so merciful to us-- and this congregation has truly been humbled by death and the small numbers of their church family. We were especially noticing this past Sunday when we attended service, how much love they have for their young people. As a matter of fact, when it came time to gather for the prayer circle, and the pastor mentioned the "young white boys from the West" all the old ladies in the congregation let forth a strong and powerful, "AMMMMMEEEENNNNNNNNNN HALLELUJAH." We felt sustained by these blessed women. And you know, the Lord really is mindful of his people-- he is no respecter of persons. He loves the Macedonia church just as much as he loves HIS church. I felt a stronger testimony that day of our collective divinity as His children. I know that the fullness of truth resides in the church of Jesus Christ-- and I cannot wait to share that joy that we feel this Wednesday at Bible study!

Some OTHER great news from this week... 

Remember the couple that was baptized and married a couple days ago? WELL, EXCITING NEWS: Originally, because of the decisions they were making, their kids had been taken away from them. As they continued to meet with us and to read the Book of Mormon, their lives changed, they gave up their old habits, they got married, and eventually all of their righteous judgment lead them to the waters of baptism! Well, this Sunday, they came to church...

WITH. THEIR. KIDS. 

And not only that, but the patriarch of the family was ordained as a Priest, received the Aaronic Priesthood, and was called to serve as a ward missionary! Talk about JOY, brothers, and sisters. Our hearts were full, I honestly could not stop smiling. God is preparing and fulfilling a marvelous work and a wonder here in the South and we are so blessed to be partners in salvation with the "author" himself! 

AND, if y'all didn't know God is aware of you, let me just testify of divine companionships for a second. We spent most of this past week... in the hospital. Late nights with undiagnosed pain, several medications, and a few doctors later--- we've been kinda in and out of the stretcher this week. Thankfully, God has prepared this companionship from the beginning! We didn't really know what was going on, but God did. We ended up having to visit with some... GI doctors! And who better to counsel a companion on the whims of the gastrointestinal tract than scope boy himself! Everything is okay, honestly, but God really did bring us together through this physical trial of faith. I am grateful for Elder Paul; his strength, diligence, and can-do attitude. He is a great example to me and I know that we are serving together for a reason. I know that God puts us with the people who are around us... for a reason. This is HIS work-- we are laborers in HIS vineyard, and to quote a scripture that was referenced to me by a random, old man: 

And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; -Acts 17:26

We are all children of God, I hope y'all know that! And before the world even began... we were thought of... prepared... and set apart to greatness while here. Prepare yourself, enlarge yourself, increase your relevance, be worthy, and I promise you will do everything God needs you to do while you are here! 

Well y'all, that really was our week. In the words of Joshua, I too say, "give me this mountain." I've never received more light, comfort, or eternal joy than I have on the summits of affliction. I doubt that I have completely found myself or even become entirely who God needs me to be... but I know that I am a little closer. Sometimes, I find myself on that mountain again-- but it is in those moments that I remember all those who are, literally running to my aid, who are willing to climb mountains to save me-- and a Savior, who in his own mountain (garden) he finished his preparations among the children of men, and became who he needed to be by doing what he needed to do. Y'all, I testify that this is the Lord's work! The Gospel has been restored! These are the latter days-- and we all have rescuers. They are praying to find us. REMEMBER THAT! I testify of the power of the Book of Mormon; it has the power to change lives... to bring families together... and to unite spirits here in this life. I know these things to be true by the power of the Holy Ghost, which has witnessed to me, that I am doing what God needs to do. If you're on that mountain, take heart... help is coming. HAVE A GREAT WEEK Y'ALL! ELDER BOYD LOVES YOU! 

Sincerely,

Rescuer (Elder) Boyd

This Week's Pics:

A picture from several weeks back:  Elder Boyd with Elder Gong

THE GONZALES GAZETTE: CHAPTER FOUR

I cannot say the smallest part which I feel,

Heavenly feelings. Celestial emotions. The divine feels. Mortal description cannot comprehend the mercies and miracles of this week. Pure joy, my friends. Pure joy. It should be a testimony to us that we are not of this world, when we feel this, "out of body" feelings. Our spirits yearn to remember and feel those celestial emotions-- the kind of feels we felt in the presence of the Savior. The peace, "not as the world giveth" but that the Lord giveth. We were made for something better-- we were made to FEEL something better-- and I testify that my mortal frame inched a feeling closer to the celestial emotion. In the words of Ammon,

Therefore, let us glory, yea, we will glory in the Lord; yea, we will rejoice, for our joy is full; yea, we will praise our God forever. Behold, who can glory too much in the Lord? Yea, who can say too much of his great power, and of his mercy, and of his long-suffering towards the children of men? Behold, I say unto you, I cannot say the smallest part which I feel. -Alma 26:16

I too, cannot say the smallest part which I feel. Beyond blessing and wrapped in the arms of mercy, we have had a week of miracles. Friends and family, the day of miracles HAVE NOT CEASED. And I'll prove it in this weeks edition of the GONZALES GAZETTE: CHAPTER FOUR.

Today I testify of miracles.

Now there maybe some of you who have reason to ask, "has the day of miracles ceased?"

Well, inquisitive human, to you I say, "NAY."

The day of miracles has not ceased. 

I read a talk from Elder Hallstrom this week that I would love to reference. His words are much better than mine-- but I pray that through his words we may all feel worthy of and seek after the miracles of the Lord. 

What about the innumerable faith-filled, priesthood-blessing-receiving, unendingly-prayed-for, covenant-keeping, full-of-hope Latter-day Saints whose miracle never comes? At least in the way they understand a miracle. At least in the way that others appear to receive miracles. What about those who suffer from profound afflictions—physically, mentally, emotionally—for years or for decades or for their entire mortal life? What about those who die so very young?
Do good people and their loved ones have reason to ask the question posed by Mormon: “Has the day of miracles ceased?”
My limited knowledge cannot explain why sometimes there is divine intervention and other times there is not. But perhaps we lack an understanding of what constitutes a miracle.
Often we describe a miracle as being healed without a full explanation by medical science or as avoiding catastrophic danger by heeding a clear prompting. However, defining a miracle as “a beneficial event brought about through divine power that mortals do not understand” gives an expanded perspective into matters more eternal in nature. This definition also allows us to contemplate the vital role of faith in the receipt of a miracle.
Moroni taught, “Neither at any time hath any wrought miracles until after their faith.” Ammon proclaimed, “God has provided a means that man, through faith, might work mighty miracles.”The Lord revealed to Joseph Smith, “For I am God, … and I will show miracles … unto all those who believe on my name.”
King Nebuchadnezzar demanded that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego worship the golden image he set up as a god, threatening, “If ye worship not, ye shall be cast … into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.” Then he taunted them with “Who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?”
These three devout disciples said: “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace. … But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods.”
They possessed full confidence that God could save them, “but if not,” they had complete faith in His plan.
A critical question to ponder is “Where do we place our faith?” Is our faith focused on simply wanting to be relieved of pain and suffering, or is it firmly centered on God the Father and His holy plan and in Jesus the Christ and His Atonement? Faith in the Father and the Son allows us to understand and accept Their will as we prepare for eternity.
Today I testify of miracles. Being a child of God is a miracle. Receiving a body in His image and likeness is a miracle. The gift of a Savior is a miracle.11 The Atonement of Jesus Christ is a miracle. The potential for eternal life is a miracle.

I testify of miracles! It is a miracle to be a missionary. We see miracles every day-- but that doesn't mean our faith hasn't wavered. Oh, that I could be an angel-- that may faith may never waver. Luckily for us, though we may sometimes doubt God, he never doubts us. He sees us for who we can become, he, "looketh on the heart," and because of his perspective he has perfect faith... in US! What a relieving thought that is... especially this week. Sometimes in my mission, I have gone through cycles of, "not feeling worthy of a miracle" or "doubting my faith-ability to authorize miracles"-- but something I've learned recently is that even the smallest amount of faith can enable mercy to make up the difference for a miracle. God is a GOD of miracles-- and because of that, he is anxious to work with whatever we have, so he can give us what He is. 

Take this week for instance...

WE SAW MIRACLES. 

TRULY. 

After weeks of humility and deep supplication with the Father, we were found worthy enough to witness the true miracle of conversion. Our two elect friends, entered the waters of baptism this week--witnessing before the Father that they are willing to be living witnesses of Jesus Christ and to be covenant keepers of His holy promises. Y'all, I have seen the progression of a Christlike countenance. I have witnessed the incremental endowment of light. I have seen the blessings of keeping commitments and the mercies of God unfolded according to exceedingly great faith and joy. I have seen the Spirit in action; changing hearts, minds, and lives. My testimony has skyrocketed through the firmament as I have been apart of this great journey. Satan may have tried, but pathetic as he is, his efforts were no match against the power of God. His miracles were even in the small things...

"We don't have the correct size in a jumpsuit for her the man said. [Note: jumpsuit= an article of clothing worn when baptized.]

"Here is a perfectly fitting jumpsuit, conveniently placed in the church's building. I will prompt Bishop to find it," God responded.  

They were married, baptized, and empowered through the gift of the Holy Ghost. Not only did they benefit from their decision, but the squadron of non-members they invited to both events now all have the precious gift of, The Book of Mormon. The members of the Gonzales, as noble and great as they already were, now have concrete evidence of the miracles of missionary work! And... two missionaries were able to feel the approval of the Lord and experience the greatest joy of the Gospel. My gratitude to the Lord could simply not be enough. I've actually made a great focus this week to have even more earnest, fervent, and sincere prayers so that he can truly know how grateful I am. I've been very thankful for the spirit lately-- hopefully, he can relay how I feel to heaven. I can sympathize with Ammon... "oh... who can say too much of His great power?" 

Side note: I'm actually getting kinda frustrated with my mortality as I write this... because words of this life cannot truly explain how I feel, what God has done, and what miracles we have seen. It's kind of like sharing your testimony to a toddler... you just want them to understand but you know that nothing you say will do justice or make sense! Hopefully y'all get the idea. There is a divine difference between being happy... and feeling joy... Please know, that is the greatest extension of the feeling, I feel... JOY. 

And I want to add:

"This definition also allows us to contemplate the vital role of faith in the receipt of a miracle."  

And let me just say, though I may be ashamed to admit, my faith was a little chastised this wee. 

As a missionary, you always feel like you can have and do more. Well, this week, the case was FAITH. 

So, most of the non-member family who came to the wedding and the baptism, all go to the same church. They have such an incredible family, we thought, "why not?" So before our meeting on Sunday, we attended the MACEDONIA CHURCH OF DELIVERANCE. Let me tell you... these people know FAITH. Which is ironic, in the case of this story. They love the kids in their church-- in fact, you can sense the fear they have for the upcoming generation. They gave an incredible sermon about loving yourself, directed towards the kids, and after they allowed us to say a few words (ahem... testify of Christ...) they all greeted us and invited us to their Bible study. Elder Paul and I had the most incredible feeling leaving this church... as I entered the congregation, I thought of the conversion story of the Spanish branch in Vicksburg. Congregations were flocking to the font, itching to receive the restored Gospel... I think God has great plans for this church. Our beloved friend was only the beginning for this family... he is the small drop in an ocean of potential. We're planning on teaching the Restoration to the pastor this week-- so wish us luck! 

Anyways...

As we exited the meeting we received a text on our phone, "outside." 

We were pleasantly surprised, assuming someone had kept their commitment to come to church. Even MORE SURPRISING was who the text was from! 

A little context... we found this family of nine a few weeks prior, and they had been very inconsistent with their commitments. From, promising to come to church to reading the Book of Mormon, they just couldn't seem to make the extra effort to do these things. As I was offering my morning prayer, I had rifled through my mind the list of potentials to greet at church and the members we could ask to fellowship them... and I had counted them out of the running-- regarding them as, "a thing of naught..."

Much to our surprise, they were the VERY family who had texted that they were, "outside." When we arrived, you couldn't wipe the smiles off our faces with a celestial eraser. The only smile bigger... was the Bishop! They had actually come an hour early and been fellowshipped by the ward immensely. Their comments were along the lines of, "these people are so nice" and, "I really like this church." Not only did they come, but a YSA reached out to us that morning, requesting a ride to the church out of the blue. When he sat down in the pew his only question was, "So, what does it take to be baptized?" Two other non-member families and one less active family we had been working with also made appearances. My heart was so full--- the only inhibitor was the stress of sitting by all of them at once! Oh, that I had a triplet... alas, my faith had been strengthened through chastisement! Never give up on the presumable, "poor spots of ground." God can work miracles in mysterious ways, and he very well did that day. I am just grateful for his mercy... even though we didn't deserve it... and I certainly didn't have the faith necessary... he showed unto us MIRACLES. 

By small and simple means (faith as a seed)-- great things can be brought to pass (MIRACLES!).

Y'all, this week filled my journal with celestial things. My greatest desire is that you all could have been there to experience it with me. However, my earnest prayer is that YOU all can experience miracles of your own this week! I know God is waiting... he is waiting on your faith... he is waiting on your prayers... he has blessings in reserve, contingent upon our obedience to receive them. Prove God herewith this week! Desire His joy! Your only frustration will be that of the true saint... not enough room in your journal to record the elect mercies! In all seriousness, I love our Heavenly Father. I love the Savior. It is only in and through them and their mercies, merits, and grace that these things are possible. It is my testimony that God is preparing experiences for us this very minute... we just need to have the faith and attitude to receive them! I know this is the Lord's church and His work--- else, how could we see such marvelous works and wonders? I am honored to be his servant at this time-- as faithless as I may sometimes be. My joy is full. SEEK MIRACLES THIS WEEK! And maybe, just maybe, you too will be a missionary teaching toddlers and a celestial feeler, all your own. HAVE A GREAT WEEK Y'ALL! ELDER BOYD LOVES YOU! 

Miracles are a retelling in small letters of the very same story which is written across the whole world in letters too large for some of us to see.

A miracle lover,

Elder Boyd

THE GONZALES GAZETTE: CHAPTER THREE

Hurricanes are really just God's way of inadvertently inviting us to enter the waters.

And gratefully, within the veil of heavenly protection, we were kept safe from these temporal waters. I have a testimony that God is truly a tangible being. Contrary to the imagination, he is real. He is authentic. He is a personage of love and sacrifice. His was a great vicarious gift on behalf of all who would live and do yet live upon the face of the Earth. When we know who we are in our relationships-- it changes us. I know this to be true-- the knowledge that we are all begotten sons and daughters of a REAL God, can endow us with the power to conquer the nervous whims of the adversary. If we, but only. knew who we were and what we are capable of, Satan and his mighty tempestuous tempests would have no power over the hearts of the children of men! It is true-- Satan's hurricanes are swallowed up in the protection of an almighty, and very real, Savior. I have felt his omnipotent hand in our lives this week, as we have braved the spiritual and temporal storms of the South. Barry and Satan, your whirlwinds are no match for the foundation of Christ and the Varner's! It's been a hurriCAN do kinda week-- and I can't wait to tell y'all about it in the GONZALES GAZETTE: CHAPTER THREE!

This week can be summed up in three phrases: Zone Conference, Hurricanes, and the joy of Christ. Quite the trio if I do say so myself-- and would you believe me if I said, they're all RELATED?

*cue intense storm watch theme music."

So, you might be asking yourself, what do a congregation of missionaries', their revelation, physical whirlwinds, and the exceedingly great blissful emotion for the eternities have in common? everything.

In the Louisiana Baton Rouge mission, we not only have a loving Heavenly Father-- but a VERY loving Earthly (proxy) mother and father; the Varner's. Y'all if there ever weren't any more charitable people. When they heard the word that tornadoes would be whipping their scally-wag tails through the bayou country, they immediately called for an evacuation of all the missionaries to the mission home. Yes, that's right, cooped inside for a period of three days, we were in quite possibly the greatest place for hurricane safety. Tell me, do your hurricane relief shelters come equipped with, Bluebell ice cream, a family of the great and noble ones, and the tender, love, care, and spirit of two of the most loving people to ever trace their footsteps upon this Earth? I think not. I don't think it was possible for me to feel safer-- or stuffed for that matter! The Varners are truly called to this mission for a heavenly reason. They were divinely appointed to lead and guide and love us through this refining transition in our spiritual journey's. I feel privileged beyond measure to serve alongside such a dynamic duo-- I really wouldn't be the missionary I am today without them and the Lord, and I know that he uses them as a type of Christ in my life to motivate me to be and to do better. I love the Varners and if it weren't for them and the sure foundation of the mission home, I know we wouldn't have been able to see the miracles in the storm. 

But before we were on, "apocalyptic lockdown mode: featuring bluebell ice cream" we were touring the Northern parts of the land of Mississippi on our Zone Conference escapade! That is one of my favorite things about being in this position-- quite literally I need a lengthy papyrus scroll to maintain the number of qualities and techniques that I learn and admire about the battalion of unstoppable missionaries we have here in the South. We get to have individual experiences with each of the Lord's anointed; not everyone has that privilege. Well, I certainly didn't take it for granted! I learned so much from these faithful Elders and Sisters-- they truly are called of God. And I am subsequently honored to rub shoulders with some of the finest spirit children this world has ever seen.

We discussed the importance of doing the little things-- or as a Sister in New Orleans put it, "finding Jesus in the paperwork." We all know that by small and simple things, great things are brought to pass-- right? (Alma 3:7) But do we ever consider what great things lie in store when we concentrate on the little details of consecration? A meaningful morning prayer. An early search in the scriptures. A monthly fast, with a purpose. The incremental development of the attributes of Christ. Ministering. Having an optimistic attitude. Glorifying the Father. Taking care of his children. I mean, Jesus did the little things didn't he? He probably got up early-- I doubt he missed a day of scripture study. He listened. He empathized. And when the time came-- his, "little acts of Christlike kindness" compounded in one-- that is, one garden. The compilation of his desires, actions, thoughts, attributes, and character-- was Gethsemane. If it weren't for the Character of Christ, there would have been no Atonement-- and his character consisted of concentrated acts of, "little things." Likewise, what do our little things surmount to? Our own garden. Our own little portion of time in Gethsemane. No, I'm not saying even in the slightest that we must go through what Christ went through-- in the words of Elder Holland, "that is pathetic and frankly sacrilegious." All I am saying is that if we expect to be like Christ, we must be willing to walk a portion of the path that he walked. A life impacted by grace eventually starts to look like Christ's life- is your life impacted by grace? What is your garden? All of these thoughts really point to our purpose here in this life: to prepare to meet God. And what is the greatest way, every week, that we prepare to meet God, we identify with Christ and the Garden, and we apply our little things to see great miracles? The Sacrament. Brother's and Sisters, we can make a much more valiant effort to prepare for the sacrament throughout the week. Is your greatest desire, to have the Spirit to be with you? It should be. Are you making a conscious, daily effort to always remember him? I sure hope so. If you want to become like Christ, prepare yourself to change yourself by worthily partaking of the sacrament every week. I testify that this practice WILL change us.... but it all starts with those little acts of Christlike goodness. No, we are not perfect-- and NO we are not Christ. But, let's become like Him, shall we? And let us do so by identifying with our own gardens through contemplative and reverent sacramental worship. 

AND ALSO, really striving to call upon the powers of heaven to receive personal; revelation through daily feasting upon the words of Christ in the Book of Mormon. As I have applied this in my own life and mission, I have witnessed great conversion and change. There is POWER in that Book! I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God-- I know it can protect, guide, and pacify us in our carnal states. It can truly help us to "put off the natural man" as we "become saint[s]" through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. And that really all happens at the sacrament table. So, read The Book of Mormon throughout the week to help yourself to have a personal experience with the Atonement of Jesus Christ on Sunday. 

And why should we do all of these things? 

Joy. 

That which the world cannot offer-- fully proffered through the Savior Jesus Christ. 

Joy. 

Pure. Joy. 

This is the heavenly gift. And, it's President Varner's favorite word-- so there's authenticity in that. Joy. Joy is what helps us to feel like Christ. I mean, can probably imagine, the Savior was a VERY happy guy. He "went about doing good" at every opportunity, and performed miracles for them whom he loved most Wouldn't you want to feel the same way he felt? In opposition to the Savior's suffering, proper acceptance and application of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ increase our capacity to feel like Him; to feel joy. Think about all of the suffering, pain, and anguish he went through in the Garden... Now, imagine the opposite of those feelings. That blissful emotion is truly available for each and every one of us. As we learned this week, joy is a principle of power. Joy is contagious. As our joy increases, our desire to share the Gospel increases. We can feel joy even in the face of opposition and rejection. We are entitled to heavenly feelings as children of God-- but they can only be handled and controlled on the principles of righteousness. If you want to feel like Christ felt, do as Christ did. Go about doing good! Exercise faith sufficient to see and to perform miracles in His holy name! Adjust your life, to align with the charisma of Christ, and you'll feel better than you've ever felt before. You'll feel...

Joy.

Pure. Joy.

And that truly is the "why" of preparing for the sacrament and reading the Book of Mormon every day. It really is the formula for a happy and successful life! If you want joy, feast upon the words of Christ and worthily renew your covenants every week. I promise, no spiritual or temporal hurricane will hider you in your righteous efforts. The Master of ocean and Earth and skies is on your side, and if God is for us who can be against us? Not Barry or Satan, that's who.

Well y'all, that's about all that I have. SERIOUSLY. Think about the sacrament. Read the Book of Mormon. Strive to feel pure joy. If you want to be happy, there you go! We are so blessed down here-- kept safe not just from pathetic tropical storms, but also the fiery darts of the adversary (also pathetic, might I add.). I love the Varner's. I love Jesus Christ. I love being with and learning from so many missionaries who help me to know what I can do to better represent the Savior. I truly am the least amongst my brethren... but am also so grateful for the greatest little thing of all; the Atonement of Jesus Christ. We are so blessed to have a Savior-- so focus on the little things so you can become more like and feel more like, HIM! If you do so, I promise, no Barry...nor Satan... nor any other pathetic means of distraction can get in your way. Really, just think of hurricanes as a type of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; it's time to, "enter the waters." (but not before reading the Book of Mormon and partaking worthily of the sacrament of course.) HAVE A GREAT WEEK Y'ALL! ELDER BOYD LOVES YOU! 

Superior-ally,

Spiritual Hurricane Boyd

This Week's Pics/Videos

Note: Many of these pics/videos came from President and Sister Varner