June 26, 2017

Did I ever mention how my love for you is RIDICULOUSLY DIVINE?
I loved reading your letter this week as it packed with golden nuggets of truth which led me to a lot of thinking. What a beautiful world we live in. 

Although there is times of war we need to be the peace we desire in the world and the only way to truly be that peace is to emulate the Saviour. As we live the Gospel and righteously desire for blessings they will be added upon us. 

Faith is the First Principle 

Obedience is the First Law 

Charity is the First Commandment

Throughout my life I have always held a perspective of "I Can Fix That.." (kind of like HOLES the movie) this has proven very useful as it has given me a desire to be INVOLVED in the lives of others however the hardest lesson is you cannot change someone to suit your desires. You cannot change your family, you cannot change your friends or companion. You will never change the Will of the Lord. You cannot make them do anything you want unless they can feel your love and righteousness. It requires a WILLING HEART from both parties. This is the refiners fire of understanding. We watched a video with J K yesterday when we had tea at a members Home. It was the "Touch of the Masters hand" and we watched it on YouTube! You can find it :) it's from the 80s or 90s

What you said about Leaving a BOY and coming back a MAN is so true. I feel like if it was possible to take out my heart and give it to the Lord I would but there is still a lot I wouldn't want him to have to carry for me. Call it pride but it is something I have battled for a very long time.

I love this work and I testify that only through the Lord can we find ourselves. 

This week is going to be so focused on my relationship with the Saviour and my faith to let him take my soul as I serve him. (don't worry not literally take my soul) 😐 sorry. 

It was hard to hear about Lori's Dad I will definitely pray for the Hart Family. My heart goes out to them:/ I have been thinking a lot about the Plan of Salvation lately and really how firm my testimony of it is. I love that the Temple is the beacon of our world today and that the prophets have responsibility that I could never have.

By the way "Why 1820?" Was a Devotional at BYU (Ricks College) 27th of September 1988 Hyrum W. Smith:) I hope this helps.

Congrats to the Christensen Family. I know he did his best and I heard from his Momma every now and then which was a blessing. The members of the ward have grown in Sheep River! 

Hope the missionaries there are being well taken care of and that you are patiently helping them. Remember we are not perfect and we just need love. If there is an Elder Kretchmann there he is the BROTHER of one of the sister missionaries here. She went home a couple months ago but we used to be in the same district. SMALL WORLD! 

I could go on for days but the bottom line of this is LOVE. 

It was through love the world was created and only through love can we return. 

Elder P and I have learned a lot together and each week we get closer. 

This transfer ends the 11th of July and its going far too fast. 

The slippery slope of the last year has begun and I am keeping it together. 

I love you all muchly! 

Birthday gifts? 

I asked for Dino sours from Mike and Er... 

as ridiculous as it sounds all I really need right now is your love. A letter from each of you would be brilliant.  

Pictures of our beautiful family. If you could send a small picture album that would be golden OR I could send you all my pictures on a USB. I think that is the better plan. 

I need to organize the pictures and then I will send them home. 

Love you loads...share my love with everyone. I am excited to hear about Moroni's quest and also the CHT productions this summer. 

They START SOON! 

Love love love! 

Hahaha your closing made me almost pee laughing.

I love you like nothing else 

(I closed my letter with Love your Mumsy....who doesn't drink rumsy...stop rhyming I mean....does anyone want a peanut?"  I was a little tired!)

Elder Cooper

13 Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life.

3 Nephi 5:13

June 19, 2017

Famajamlon;) 

What is cooking Good lookin' people? 

Elder Cooper that is who is cooking. The weather for our last week has been above 20 degrees and no wind so it has reminded me very much of The Balmy Arizona:) Today we went to Blackpool as a District in Preston and had Fish and Chips with so many wonderful Elders and Sisters. 

We have had a much better week and are even more united. There is a great power in prayer and especially using and manifesting the Power and Authority of the Priesthood. 

Yesterday we had our Preston Stake Conference and also interviews with President and Sister Ulrich. I love having a mission mom and dad but they will never replace both of my divine Earthly Parents. We had a powerful conversation about knowing you are a successful missionary. It is not in outward immediate success but in the fulfillment of divine covenants. In short, to see your posterity be sealed for eternity! 

President invited and promised me in the name of Jesus Christ that I could memorize my patriarchal blessing in the two weeks before he leaves. What are you willing to do? I love this promise and I actually asked him, " President is that really possible, do you actually promise that?" He smiled and spoke softly....Yes, for this will be your testimony before the Savior. You HAVE  been faithful, I love you!

I have considered this thought the whole day: if (insert your favorite apostle, mine being Jeffery R Holland) was my mission President would I serve differently? If the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ was my mission President would I serve differently? 

This applies to all leadership... 

Although we are saying farewell to President and Sister Ulrich, our true mission President/ Stake President/ Bishop will always be the Savior. To whom is called, and lives righteously, the Lord will qualify! 

We had a wonderful opportunity to bring J K to the Stake Conference and she loved the music and spirit. We met her at our Street Display last week and she is a great believer in Christ! She has met with us twice already, come to church, accepted a baptismal invitation and has a member that wants to have us all for Tea! It's really good right now. 

From three weeks ago you cannot imagine how much my heart has changed. The Christlike attributes we learn each transfer really focus with each companion. This transfer is changing my patterns of teaching and my patience. I know the Atonement is real and I have felt the natural man within me rage while the Holy Ghost soothes my broken heart. It's a really bittersweet feeling but many would explain to be a personal Gethsemane. This transfer has been hard already but we are seeing success! 

I loved your letters and messages. It's nice to hear from all of you and to see the growth from you serving the Lord. 

If you would be known for one thing what would it be? 

What scripture would Display your dependence upon Christ? 

Alma 36:26 expresses missionary work to me. Allowing others to have the richest Gift Heavenly Father could give His children: The Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Fathers Day is very special and I am glad all fathers were glorified and congratulated on another year of keeping it together (KIT as  Mike Explained... yeah I paid attention to your talk ;) ) 

I love the progress in little Jax! I love that little baby boy and he is a valiant soldier in this army! Even more a General in the Spirit Army! There is a talk that asks "Why 1820?" It was really interesting to read and I invite you to read it as well:)  

Thank you for your thoughts about the atonement and how you are using it. I loved the pictures that were sent, I shared them with the district and they melted. Jax is going to break hearts. 

Grandma Cooper? Ahhhhh you're the most wonderful in the world;) 

Pictures of the beach will come next week. Until then my Loved ones. TO INFINITY AND BEYOND;)💫💥

Elder Cooper

13 Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life.

3 Nephi 5:13

Mom,

This PDay is no different from the rest. I am doing all that I can to make my messages home meaningful and still have enough time and patience to enjoy the day with my companion.

"President Ulrich, 

I am so thankful for the transition that has been made in my heart. My feelings were excellently reflected in the words " I’ve never been so discouraged. I’ve never been so full of hope. I feel I could go on forever. I think I’ve come to the end of my rope." Ode to a Mission 

Well these words resonate within me I have been very grateful for the love and support of leadership. In our exchanges this week I have noticed and learned many things. 

Exchange with Elder W and Cooper. We saw the Lord bless this work by its direction and haste. We met a former convert that Elder W had taught and I saw the brilliant joy it brought him to see her (Megan) strong in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and preparing herself to go and serve the Lord elsewhere in His vineyard.

We found many new friends NEAR THE CHURCH. The Council rings true that people need the Gospel everywhere but the most powerful place to find is near the chapel. We met a wonderful daughter of God ( Julie ) who was having difficulties with a family members health and was struggling to find God. We are giving her some space and praying for her loved ones, but will soon teach the Plan of Salvation!"

Our week was so filled with Joy and I loved every minute.

It has been pretty stressful but I have found a great peace as I have humbled myself in prayer and I have actually felt my burdens be lifted.

This work is real and I love being here.

Janae got all the time this week;)

The adventures never end!

 

June 5, 2017

I will have to update you next week but this is my new companion. His name is LUCKY P. and he is from Minila in the Philippines!He is just as Crazy as me and we are getting along very well but the first few days are hard to adjust. 

Elders Cooper and P are united! We have had some struggles trying to adjust but this has been a blessing to be together. I love most about Elder P is the passion he has for people. He used to be a sales manager and has some incredible people skills.

He loves athletics and seeks to be focused on inviting others to Christ. We are going to work on Memorizing D&C 4 and The Standard of Truth this transfer. We want to serve each other and be happy, this work is filled with Joy and we don't want to be hard on each other. 

President Ulrich! 

I have been sharing my thoughts this week in boldness that "There is no bad weather just negative attitudes". Very careful how I have been sharing that I promise. 

This week was full of change. It touched my heart in transfer Meeting as we sang Called to Serve and the spirit was so strong I truly sang glorious harmonies with angels. 

I have been so humbled to spend a year of the Lords precious time working along side you and your radiant companion. You both have been examples to me and I appreciate and feel your bounty of prayers for the Missionaries. 

The work has progressed in the Preston Area and my "Firsts" were very insightful. 

The most crucial thing I pondered this week was how our attitude affects the glory of the Lords work. I have been humbled many times and the works from a missionary power statement come to mind, " If you want to Go Fast go alone, if you want to GO FAR go together". Sometimes we can forget the changes in our lives don't only affect us but the changes can be drastic to others. 

The days have been long and I awaited the sacrament yesterday and there was so many distractions that I didn't feel the sanctification until the few members started bearing their testimonies. We had two friends at church and they had to leave early but I am so thankful that they came to observe AND worship.

It's a privilege to know most of those in the Preston District already but I look forward to obtaining a greater respect and friendship. I am trying with all that I can to change my heart and apply the invitation to repent with greater sincerity. I know there is still more I can do but I am still progressing to see the best in each of those we teach and these missionaries around me. 

Our preparation day activities were a blast! Elder P and I have had a change of heart.... we played basketball and volleyball today and really synchronized. We had a lot of fun and look forward to a very teaching packed week. 

I am so grateful for this transfer and I know there will be many ups and downs but I am starting to see my weaknesses blend with Elder P's strengths.  I am learning so very much from the Master.

I know that all things considered He heals and aids us in our sorrow but I think that just as Joseph Smith it must be our first priority to serve and learn from HIM. Desire and a broken heart and a contrite spirit! 

Momma Bear our flat in Preston is very nice! No you do not need to send cutlery I am just becoming a Filipino;)

Elder D sent me the funniest message I will have to forward it next week.

I love the progress you are making and the plans you have! The work is going so well and there truly is opposition in all things.

I love it here in Preston. I can't think of anything I need. I need to send this package home for all y'all... anything you want me to send?

Life update:

I found a flippin TURTLE!!!

We played Vball and BBall in the Rain and We have weights in our flat and I am trying to gain some muscles ;)