CLINTON EDITION: CHAPTER TEN

Specifically speaking, we had a great week

If a man asketh God for a hamster... will he deliver a gerbil? Or if a woman prayeth for a rock... will God come forth with a tree? Or if a certain group of missionaries was to ask a loving Heavenly Father to provide a family of four, prepared for the restored Gospel.... would he simply close the heavens? I think not. Why not, pray for specifics? Honestly; that is the theme for the week. If we ask God for specific blessings, he will bless us with specific answers. In the words of President Monson himself, "when we deal in generalities, we will seldom have success; but when we deal with specifics we will rarely have a failure." It's time to succeed through specifics! If you're looking for failure, get general! We're fixin' to be specific here in the CLINTON EDITION: CHAPTER TEN. 

Let me start with an experience to prove the reality of the blessings in specifics:

It was one of those, "wow it's raining, and we're in a biking area" kind of days. For you Washingtonians back at home, Mississippi might as well be on a magic carpet ride, because it's a whole new world down here when it comes to the weather. One moment it could be a brisk summer's day, not a draft in the air... and then the next, it's as if Thor sneezed on the clouds and enabled torrential thunder downpour on the entirety of the Southern hemisphere. Well, someone released Thor's thunder thighs on Clinton this week because we were caught in a torrential twister. And in the midst of this twister, we found a great calm through prayer... we were visiting "formers" in the area when we felt prompted to stop... and pray. However, as per our theme, this time we were praying specifically-- a little too specifically some might say:

"God, lead us to a family of four who are prepared for the restored Gospel and is willing to come to church on Sunday."

We said amen, and not one door later-- three kids come rushing to the front of their house, and their father peeks out from behind and says, "we know who you are, we feel like we're prepared for your message, please come back on Sunday and teach us the Gospel."

The look on our faces could only be matched with the gratitude in our hearts. As we said our gratitude prayer following the miracle, we couldn't help but see the divine pattern in asking God for specifics in our lives. Why WOULDN'T God bless us with the exact things we stand in need of? Why WOULDN'T he want to bestow upon his children the absolute of his blessings? We just need to ask-- and I can testify that when we do, in our most specific need, he succors our specifics with specific blessings. This was a lesson we learned from Elder Stanfill: 

God has reserved the rights to prayer, he is qualified to listen, and he is qualified to bless-- if we only authorize him through specifics. 

Okay, now that I have said, "specific" almost as many times as our God desires to bless us-- okay, not really, but pretty close-- let's talk a bit about the word of God. 

The Book of Mormon. I must say, I have never had such a strong testimony of any combination of inspired words and epic stories than I do of the Book of Mormon. Recently our mission has been involved in a, "90 Day Book of Mormon reading challenge." Now I know what you're thinking... 90 days? Well, yes-- I was once like you, random citizen, and then I realized if I can read Percy Jackson in 12 hours, the Book of Mormon should be a breeze. A nice, tranquil, relaxing, beach breezy reading. Reading the Book of Mormon has been the best of breezes and as we have been focused on it as a mission, I've been able to see the benefit and purpose for its' coming forth in this dispensation. This was perhaps one of the best Zone Conferences I've been to: (1)There was a time allotted, for heavenly things and (2) a time for everyone to share their testimony of the Book of Mormon. I was blessed to add my living witness to those borne on that sacred day, and I can truly testify with all energy of heart that I know this book is true. I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I know that the Gospel has been restored to the earth today and that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord's kingdom on the Earth. But more than knowing these things... I love them... I try and live them... and I encourage others to do the same! Pray for a confirming witness of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon this week. Ask God SPECIFICALLY (there's that word again) if it is true! I can testify as His representative, that if you do, the heavens will be opened and you will receive your answer. The challenge is up to you... now the real question is... Percy Jackson or Book of Mormon?

We had an experience with the Book of Mormon this week-- as we were teaching one of the ladies in our area, whom I have grown to love, she was astounded at the doctrine of the fall of Adam as described in 2 Nephi 2! It was incredible to me, how spiritually thirsty she didn't realize she was, and how the Book of Mormon was able to quench even the slightest thirst. She ended up committing to reading the rest of the chapter with joy in her heart, and one foot in the well of living water! Without the Book of Mormon, we wouldn't have been able to have such an experience: I am forever indebted to how this book has changed me as a missionary and the work I have been called to do. 

You know, reading the Book of Mormon has helped me realize just WHAT it takes to become like Christ. Have you ever felt denied or rejected? Have you ever mourned or wept? Have you felt betrayed in the house of your friends? I think I know someone who can sympathize. And if we, as children of God, desire to become more like Him... I think it to be normal to feel alone and helpless every once in a while. Thankfully, as Elder Holland puts it, "because Jesus Christ walked such a worrisome and lonely path alone... we don't have to do so." You are never alone in your struggles. God is watching over you. His angels are ever present. And it is those very trials and challenges that sanctify and qualify us to become like God. What an honor it is to be entrusted with sacred trials-- that we might be able to learn and grow by becoming more like Jesus Christ through our suffering. 

In fact, this week God literally prompted us to feel rejected. We were counseling with Him before we headed to our next appointment, and we heard the Spirit speak, "knock on that door." OOOOOOH this is gonna be one of those, "feeling good, dunk a family of six" moments-- or so we thought... on the contrary the young man who answered the door politely asked us to, "get off of his lawn and to never tread the steps of Satan on his holy ground ever again." Not entirely sure what that means, but I guess God wanted us to have that experience. Why? Why does God permit rejection? Because without pruning... the tree of life would never grow. We were pruned, plucked, and prodded this week-- but all for the greater good of growth! In fact, I'm starting to like the way God works-- sure we may suffer for a moments time, but the reward is far greater on the other side of the orchard. 

So really, what I'm trying to say is: PRAY! SPECIFICALLY! Pray specifically for the things you know God wants most for you in your life, and see what he does. If you want charity, PRAY FOR IT! If you want answers, PRAY FOR THEM! If you want a new car... talk to someone else because we're talking about TREASURES IN HEAVEN PEOPLE! And while you're praying, talk to Him about the Book of Mormon. I know that his answer will be the same answer he has given me... it's true! If you don't believe me, try it for yourself! I testify that as we strive to become like Christ; in our sufferings and our greatest rejection, and as we seek specific answers... we'll be okay! Go ahead, try it-- spend some time in the "specific" ocean, and I promise you won't drown. Soon you'll learn how to walk on water because you've become like the Savior, and then you'll come to know through the Book of Mormon, how much God and Elder Boyd love you. HAVE A GREAT WEEK Y'ALL! ELDER BOYD LOVES YOU!

Sincerely and specifically,

Elder Boyd.

This Week's Pics:

Zone Conference

(photo and video courtesy of President and Sister Varner)

CLINTON EDITION: CHAPTER NINE

That awkward moment when a general authority blows your mind...

Or should I say, "that absolute spiritual FEAST of a moment when a general authority unfolds the doctrines of the kingdom and reveals the mysteries of godliness in what was perhaps four hours in literal heaven. I feel like I saw a pillar of light, exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun-- and as it descended gradually... I got slapped in the face with the largest in stature spirit-- and that spirits' name was Elder Vern P. Stanfill of the Seventy. I testify that God's anointed walk the Earth today and their fruits are some of the most jam-packed, delicious, and exceedingly awesome goodness you are ever gonna get. It's time for some virtue vitamins and miracle minerals, as we partake together of the sweet Stanfill spirit in the CLINTON EDITION: CHAPTER NINE. 

Before I rave about the man, myth, and legend himself-- let's talk a little bit about caterpillars. 

A few weeks ago (probably last week with all this mission fog) I shared some thoughts about progression. We are all little engines that can and will-- but we must believe we can and believe in the conductor to chug along the covenant path. Well, in a similar spirit, God has blessed me with more metaphors, analogies, and wisdom regarding the matter of change and eternal progression. 

That's where the caterpillars come in.

I've been thinking a lot about caterpillars lately, which might be odd to say-- considering I have no degree in insectology. But I think we have a lot to learn about these fine and fuzzy creatures. 

Do you think a caterpillar knows what he can become? 

Does a caterpillar just look in the mirror and think, "I'm gonna be a butterfly?" 

Or does the caterpillar get discouraged from the grounds' point of view, wondering if he'll ever be anything more than what he is now? 

Have you ever felt like a caterpillar? Have you ever lost faith in what you have the power to become? Do you realize who you really are and what you can truly do with your life? We are entitled to change. We just... need to welcome the process. 

Caterpillars, as we all know, are far different from butterflies. Both in the mode of travel, in beauty, in cool factor-- butterflies are obviously superior. But how does our little fuzzy friend make the transition? How does a caterpillar become a butterfly?

Darkness. Opposition. Faith. The cocoon. 

While in the cocoon I wonder what thoughts race through the head of the caterpillar. "I shouldn't have done this... I made a mistake...it's too dark for me to see who I truly am." What's on the other side of that darkness, little friend? Your destiny. Your conversion. A beautiful butterfly. 

Likewise, we have our times in the darkness. Sometimes the best people have the worst circumstances because they are the readiest to learn. We have our uncertainties, but the very change we are so afraid of is also the VERY CHANGE THAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN TO HELP US ACHIEVE OUR POTENTIAL AS CATERPILLARS. What happens in the head of the caterpillar that motivates him to want to become a butterfly? He has to come to a realization that what he is, will not fulfill his expectations of what he wants. Who he wants to become is who he really is-- but it takes faith in the process and in the darkness to do so. 

We have our own cocoons. We have our trials and our tribulations. But I testify that if YOU want to grow wings to fly, you have to be willing to give up being a caterpillar. You have to want to be a butterfly so bad that you're willing to sit in the darkness of what you were and endure to the light of what you can become. Then, you'll fly! You'll look down below at all the finely chiseled creatures and think, "I'm so grateful for my time as a caterpillar... that I can truly appreciate being a butterfly." It's hard to be a caterpillar-- and it's hard to be a butterfly, but the change is always worth it. 

Do you realize what you can become?

Are you grateful for your cocoons? 

We are all children of a loving Heavenly Father. It is our divine mandate to progress and become like Him-- but we can't do that without the metamorphic change of repentance and faith in the darkness. If you truly believe you can fly, you will-- but you must also be willing to abandon who you are for what God knows you can become. Now is the time to lay hold on your mansion in heaven, to have hope in your glorious destiny, and to grow wings to fly! 

Just another thought on progression... just know, you are changing every day! You are progressing and if you keep choosing the right, you will BE the butterfly God needs you to be. 

Okay, apart from analogies of progression, most of this week was really spent outside of our area. We spent a full four days on exchanges both in Jackson and in Baton Rouge, and that made for one VERY stressed "parent" of investigators! However, I know that God watches over our people... he is anxious to bless them according to our faith and good works. 

When we arrived back in town late Saturday evening, I was filled with stress and anxiety. Do you ever have those weeks where you have planned out your week of all the things you NEED to do and then somehow you don't get anything accomplished on your to-do list? Well, for you and me both, I know that in those times where our plans don't seem to be going our way, if accompanied by the spirit, we are entertaining much better plans than we could have ever dreamed of. As I knelt down in humble supplication Saturday evening, pleading with the Father, "Please let us see miracles at church." A humble prayer offered by a very exhausted missionary. Now, I'll tell you, the next day wasn't the most miraculous event of an investigator party in the congregation. No, all of our people did not show up... and no, those who we were expecting weren't able to make it-- but does that mean we were exempt from the miracles of God? NO. Sat next to me in the pew was a returning member family who we had been working with for months, and across the row were two of our most progressing people. Now, did God have plans for us that we may not have made ourselves? Yes. And hey, we were doing VERY GOOD things while we were away from our area-- three baptismal interviews and a spiritual feast of gospel goodness included. So, let this be a message to you all who seem to be in situations where not everything goes, "as planned." God has a plan for you. He knows you. And if you're living a righteous life, and following the spirit... you may very well be a part of a much better plan than you could even imagine. 

And NOW, the moment you've been waiting for... 

Coming in at (a presumed estimate) 6 feet plus, and an undetermined amount of large-in-stature spiritual weight-ness-- his horses are almost as strong as his spirit and he might as well be a dragon with the amount of fire he spits...

ITS ELDER STANFILL!! 

What an honor of a weekend. I always love learning at the feet of general authorities-- they are truly inspired men. This past weekend we were pleased to enjoy a mission leadership council with the one and the only: Elder Stanfill. He talked about everything...and even more precious he answered our individual questions. As he approached the stand something didn't sit right...until suddenly he said, "I want to shake each of your hands and look into your eyes." It was a special moment for sure. I took a scroll worth of notes, but for the sake of space and the spirit, I'll only share a few tidbits of the feelings and impressions I received as we were counseled by this great man: 

•revelation is learned and earned; it is a trust relationship

•your mission is a sanctifying process- you are partners in exaltation. 

•we are saviors of men-- God loves and trusts us enough to share the sacred title of the Redeemer.

•the doctrine of Christ is the process of salvation. 

•to access God's power we must swallow our will in his, apply gospel principles, and evaluate ourselves with honesty. 

•the best expression of our love for God is to take care of his children. 

•he knows your heart. 

And at the end of it all, in a spirit of humility and sweet joy, he said, "your sacrifice is accepted, now go to work."

The feelings I felt this day cemented what I have always expressed and believed. I love being a missionary and I know that the church I represent is the church of Jesus Christ. I know that revelation is essential to salvation and that if we are to become who God needs us to be we must align our will with his and yolk ourselves with him. What a sweet experience to learn from Elder Stanfill-- I testify that he is both a physical and a spiritual giant and that he did reveal unto us the Lords will concerning the Louisiana Baton Rouge mission! 

Well y'all! That'll be it for me this week! I hope yall have a blessed week. You are a butterfly...remember that. Embrace the change within you! Without Christ, we would all be caterpillars forever but because of him, we can eventually learn how to fly. Don't worry about things that are out of your control! God has great plans for you... even if those plans are to learn from Montana miracle men! I know this church is true and I testify of God's love for all of us-- whether you are a caterpillar, in a cocoon, or a progressing butterfly, God knows and loves you! HAVE A GREAT WEEK YALL! ELDER BOYD LOVES YOU!!

With anticipation for the changes yet to come,

Butterfly (Elder) Boyd

This Week's Pics:

 Note from Mama Boyd: Last Personal Day, Elder Boyd told me that he wanted to make Coconut Lime Chicken Curry for everyone in his District (maybe it was Zone??). Together we found the right recipe.  We talked about how to make it, put together a shopping list, and this is the results of Elder Boyd's efforts (I'm VERY impressed! I was also told, "It was REALLY good."):