My new Companion's name is James Docking, From Tasmania Australia.
This past week Elder Docking and I had a chance to be part of a
fireside, and the topic that I spoke on was faith. I talked about the
power faith can have, how to obtain faith and how to maintain the
faith that you already have. It was a great learning experience for me
and it was fun to be apart of the program. One scripture that I
shared, because it stood out to me this past week, was John 12:36
“While ye have light, believe in the light.” In my talk I brought
this up while explaining how to maintain faith. I explained that you
should not be discouraged because of the faith you do not have but to
use and give thanks for the faith you do have. If you ignore the faith
that you have in the present time you very well may lose it. Know that
right now, as what Christ states, “your faith is sufficient that I
should heal you.” It is by faith that Christ performed miracles during
his ministry. Miracles don’t produce faith, but it is faith that
produces miracles. There is no need to feel insignificant in what
little faith you think you have, because that’s the beauty of life to
know that you can always grow and add more to your faith. Once you use
the faith you have, you are strengthening it. Build upon the
foundation you already have and not on what you don’t have. Faith is
very much a verb, and not a noun. James 2: 17 says, “Faith, if it hath
not works, is dead, being alone.” As well as Matthew 7:21 where Christ
says, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into
the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which
is in heaven.” Faith requires action and is a continual process that
is necessary to strengthen. Christ will be with us every step of the
way and will help us build upon our faith if you so desire to do so.
Christ is our Lord and King. It is through Him that we may all be
saved and stand before God again someday. It is by faith, and by our
works that we can do just that. It is my testimony that Jesus Christ
loves each and every one of us and is forever by our side to help us
through our trials if we put our faith and trust in him.
-Elder Criman
Monday, July 15, 2013
Monday, July 8, 2013
07/08/2013
This past week the spirit has really been helping me focus on seeing
people on how they can become but also seeing myself as I can become.
We all have a talent and importance in this life, sometimes we just
have to look for it or try harder to achieve our potential. For that
is how God sees us, by our potential. We all have some potential and
some gift that is given us from God. D&C 46:11 says, “For all have
not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every
man is given a gift by the Spirit of God.” Sometimes we feel as others
are better than ourselves because they are better at some things than
we are, but no one has all the gifts and talents from God; we are all
unique. We might not see what are gift is but it is promised to us
that we do have them. There are times that we might actually
acknowledge that we have a talent but don’t necessarily think it is of
God. Moroni 10:18 states, “I would exhort you, my beloved [children],
that ye remember that every good gift cometh of Christ.” Know that
what you have right now is a blessing from God, and it was given you
for your benefit. Don’t forget what you already have because you want
to achieve something higher. Use the divine gifts that you already
have and use them to attain other gifts and talents, but never
“Neglect not the gift that is in thee” (1Timothy 4:14) which God has
already given you. “And all this for the benefit of the church of the
living God, that every man may improve upon his talent, that every man
may gain other talents, yea, even an hundred fold” (D&C 82:18). What
you have and what you can become will assist others to aspire to be
higher. By using the talents you already have you are leading as an
example and helping those that lack the confidence they need to grow.
By exceeding and obtaining more gifts you are actually coming unto
Christ, which is our purpose here on earth. “I would exhort you that
ye would come unto Christ, and lay hold upon every good gift, and
touch not the evil gift, nor the unclean thing”(Moroni 10:30). We all
have trails and obstacles that make our life hard, but they are for
the helping us learn and to become something greater. Heb12:11 says,
“Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous:
nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of
righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” It is my
testimony that we all have divine potential and guidance in our life.
If you look through Heavens eyes you can see what a man is worth, and
that includes yourself. Come unto Christ, come unto his fold and find
peace beyond this world, and use the talents that you have blessed
with to have at this currant time in your life.
people on how they can become but also seeing myself as I can become.
We all have a talent and importance in this life, sometimes we just
have to look for it or try harder to achieve our potential. For that
is how God sees us, by our potential. We all have some potential and
some gift that is given us from God. D&C 46:11 says, “For all have
not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every
man is given a gift by the Spirit of God.” Sometimes we feel as others
are better than ourselves because they are better at some things than
we are, but no one has all the gifts and talents from God; we are all
unique. We might not see what are gift is but it is promised to us
that we do have them. There are times that we might actually
acknowledge that we have a talent but don’t necessarily think it is of
God. Moroni 10:18 states, “I would exhort you, my beloved [children],
that ye remember that every good gift cometh of Christ.” Know that
what you have right now is a blessing from God, and it was given you
for your benefit. Don’t forget what you already have because you want
to achieve something higher. Use the divine gifts that you already
have and use them to attain other gifts and talents, but never
“Neglect not the gift that is in thee” (1Timothy 4:14) which God has
already given you. “And all this for the benefit of the church of the
living God, that every man may improve upon his talent, that every man
may gain other talents, yea, even an hundred fold” (D&C 82:18). What
you have and what you can become will assist others to aspire to be
higher. By using the talents you already have you are leading as an
example and helping those that lack the confidence they need to grow.
By exceeding and obtaining more gifts you are actually coming unto
Christ, which is our purpose here on earth. “I would exhort you that
ye would come unto Christ, and lay hold upon every good gift, and
touch not the evil gift, nor the unclean thing”(Moroni 10:30). We all
have trails and obstacles that make our life hard, but they are for
the helping us learn and to become something greater. Heb12:11 says,
“Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous:
nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of
righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” It is my
testimony that we all have divine potential and guidance in our life.
If you look through Heavens eyes you can see what a man is worth, and
that includes yourself. Come unto Christ, come unto his fold and find
peace beyond this world, and use the talents that you have blessed
with to have at this currant time in your life.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
06/17/2013
I am so honored and grateful to be able to take on the name of Christ.
I would hope that all who accept Christ never deny Him, but hold His
name in high respect. Alma 46:15, “And those who did belong to the
church were faithful; yea, all those who were true believers in Christ
took upon them, gladly, the name of Christ, or Christians as they were
called, because of their belief in Christ who should come.” He has
done everything for us and continues to do so. No matter what the
adversary can throw at us, Christ shall be our shield of Protection
and our wall of strength. Isaiah 25:4, “For thou hast been a strength
to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from
the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones
is as a storm against the wall.” Christ is the only begotten of the
Father and knows how to succor us individually according to our own
trials; for He is Perfect! As we put our trust in Him and forever
acknowledge Him we shall have victory, and our pain shall be healed.
Because of Christ and our loving Father, we have Devine protection.
Our regrets and sorrow shall be taken up by the Lord and we will
continue to grow. Isaiah 25:8, “He will swallow up death in victory;
and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces.” He knows
what brings tears to our eyes and is the perfect one to help us over
come all challenges that we have! As we pray and continue our
relationship with our Savior we will know Him when He comes. We will
say, “This is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us:
this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice
in his salvation” (Isaiah 25:9). He will come again and He will
gladly accept us in his open arms; His arms of Love and Peace. Isaiah
26:3, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on
thee: because he trusteth in thee.” God loves us all, and as we
endure to the end, wait for Him, and trust in Him and His timing we
will be saved. He knows us individually and continually watches over
us. We all have trials, but through faithful eyes we can see the
miracles and blessing that God gives us daily. He trusts us to do what
is right. Even though we all make mistakes, it’s possible through the
infinite Atonement that we can become clean of our sins and continue
to walk in the path that Christ has prepared for us. In God we can do
all things and have power to overcome anything that life throws in our
way. Isaiah 26:4, “Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord
Jehovah is everlasting strength.”
Elder Criman
I would hope that all who accept Christ never deny Him, but hold His
name in high respect. Alma 46:15, “And those who did belong to the
church were faithful; yea, all those who were true believers in Christ
took upon them, gladly, the name of Christ, or Christians as they were
called, because of their belief in Christ who should come.” He has
done everything for us and continues to do so. No matter what the
adversary can throw at us, Christ shall be our shield of Protection
and our wall of strength. Isaiah 25:4, “For thou hast been a strength
to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from
the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones
is as a storm against the wall.” Christ is the only begotten of the
Father and knows how to succor us individually according to our own
trials; for He is Perfect! As we put our trust in Him and forever
acknowledge Him we shall have victory, and our pain shall be healed.
Because of Christ and our loving Father, we have Devine protection.
Our regrets and sorrow shall be taken up by the Lord and we will
continue to grow. Isaiah 25:8, “He will swallow up death in victory;
and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces.” He knows
what brings tears to our eyes and is the perfect one to help us over
come all challenges that we have! As we pray and continue our
relationship with our Savior we will know Him when He comes. We will
say, “This is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us:
this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice
in his salvation” (Isaiah 25:9). He will come again and He will
gladly accept us in his open arms; His arms of Love and Peace. Isaiah
26:3, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on
thee: because he trusteth in thee.” God loves us all, and as we
endure to the end, wait for Him, and trust in Him and His timing we
will be saved. He knows us individually and continually watches over
us. We all have trials, but through faithful eyes we can see the
miracles and blessing that God gives us daily. He trusts us to do what
is right. Even though we all make mistakes, it’s possible through the
infinite Atonement that we can become clean of our sins and continue
to walk in the path that Christ has prepared for us. In God we can do
all things and have power to overcome anything that life throws in our
way. Isaiah 26:4, “Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord
Jehovah is everlasting strength.”
Elder Criman
6/03/2013
I realized I didn't post this e-mail. I really need to get all of his letters and type them up. They describe day by day of what he is doing. But for now here is the e-mail from June 3rd.
This past week was full of service opportunities, but was super spiritual. We have helped several people move into their new homes and move out of their old. It's kind of interesting how the Lord plays out our life. Before my mission I have had experience wiring and hanging equipment. While we were serving this past week I have installed a few light fixtures and fans in the ceiling. Along with the service we have had the opportunity to give a good number amount of lessons. Though we count how many lessons we have taught a day, I wish we could count the number of souls that we have touched while being servants called to serve the Lord as missionaries. The word of God is true and always will be! It is not us, as human Beings, that change the lives of those we meet, rather the spirit of the Lord that He has so mercifully blessed us with. The Lord knows exactly what he is doing, and I trust him full heartedly. Whichever He will ask of me, I will do it. I love my God with all of my heart and praise him for all. Thank you so much, for everything you have done and are currently doing for me while I am on my mission. There is a great work coming forth, and it is in action!
This past week was full of service opportunities, but was super spiritual. We have helped several people move into their new homes and move out of their old. It's kind of interesting how the Lord plays out our life. Before my mission I have had experience wiring and hanging equipment. While we were serving this past week I have installed a few light fixtures and fans in the ceiling. Along with the service we have had the opportunity to give a good number amount of lessons. Though we count how many lessons we have taught a day, I wish we could count the number of souls that we have touched while being servants called to serve the Lord as missionaries. The word of God is true and always will be! It is not us, as human Beings, that change the lives of those we meet, rather the spirit of the Lord that He has so mercifully blessed us with. The Lord knows exactly what he is doing, and I trust him full heartedly. Whichever He will ask of me, I will do it. I love my God with all of my heart and praise him for all. Thank you so much, for everything you have done and are currently doing for me while I am on my mission. There is a great work coming forth, and it is in action!
Monday, June 10, 2013
06/10/13
Quick testimony
If we want to walk with Christ, we need to agree with Christ. Amos 3:3
reads, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” If we are to
follow in the footsteps of our Savior we need to obey the commandments
He has given us. Commandments are not to tear us down, but are there
to make us stronger, safe, free, and to promise us blessings. Christ’s
entire ministry He invited all to come unto Him. He did so with great
love and passion. God promised that He will always guide us, bless us,
and never leave us stranded as we follow the footsteps of Christ.
Isaiah 2:5, with Footnote “a”, invites us to come unto Christ.“O house
of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk (Walking with God) in the light of
the Lord.”
Times in life seem as if our trials are too hard to bear, and we might
even feel alone, even if we seem to be following and obeying the
commandments of God. However, as this Footnote clarifies, as we walk
in the light of Christ, we are actually walking with Christ. He is by
our side and guiding us along the path of righteousness. Life may
seem impossible to conquer, and that is why Christ has done it for us.
He died for all of us and was resurrected so we can all live with God
again someday, and until then, we can feel of his support and infinite
love. “Fear not, little children, for you are mine, and I have
overcome the world, and you are of them that my Father hath given me;
And none of them that my Father hath given me shall be lost” (D&C
50:41-42). Christ knows each and every one of us and will not allow us
to be lost. His spirit can always be with us, as it is promised in the
Sacrament prayer.
Even with faith we all have trails and challenges to overcome. As such
circumstances come, Do Not Fear! “Fear thou not; for I am with thee:
be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will
help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my
righteousness” (Isaiah 41:1042). We all make mistakes, but it is
because of the Atonement we are able to repent and come unto Christ to
further our journey to righteousness. We may stray from the path that
Christ has laid for us, “but hand his (In spite of all, the Lord is
available if they will turn to Him) is stretched out still” (Isaiah
9:12 Footnote “d”). Again Christ says, “Wherefore, be of good cheer,
and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you”
(D&C 68:6).
We all have a great work to do, and with the help of our Savior we can
not fail. He will not let us fall short if we put our full trust in
Him, and fear not. Let us go forth and share the Gospel of Christ,
even let us shout with praises towards him of joy. “Arise; for this
matter belongeth unto thee: we also will be with thee: be of good
courage, and do it” (Ezra 10: 4).
I know that this Church is true, and through the pure mercy and love
of Christ we can be saved. I finish by quoting from Alma, Let us all,
“Look to God and live!” (Alma 37:47).
If we want to walk with Christ, we need to agree with Christ. Amos 3:3
reads, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” If we are to
follow in the footsteps of our Savior we need to obey the commandments
He has given us. Commandments are not to tear us down, but are there
to make us stronger, safe, free, and to promise us blessings. Christ’s
entire ministry He invited all to come unto Him. He did so with great
love and passion. God promised that He will always guide us, bless us,
and never leave us stranded as we follow the footsteps of Christ.
Isaiah 2:5, with Footnote “a”, invites us to come unto Christ.“O house
of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk (Walking with God) in the light of
the Lord.”
Times in life seem as if our trials are too hard to bear, and we might
even feel alone, even if we seem to be following and obeying the
commandments of God. However, as this Footnote clarifies, as we walk
in the light of Christ, we are actually walking with Christ. He is by
our side and guiding us along the path of righteousness. Life may
seem impossible to conquer, and that is why Christ has done it for us.
He died for all of us and was resurrected so we can all live with God
again someday, and until then, we can feel of his support and infinite
love. “Fear not, little children, for you are mine, and I have
overcome the world, and you are of them that my Father hath given me;
And none of them that my Father hath given me shall be lost” (D&C
50:41-42). Christ knows each and every one of us and will not allow us
to be lost. His spirit can always be with us, as it is promised in the
Sacrament prayer.
Even with faith we all have trails and challenges to overcome. As such
circumstances come, Do Not Fear! “Fear thou not; for I am with thee:
be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will
help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my
righteousness” (Isaiah 41:1042). We all make mistakes, but it is
because of the Atonement we are able to repent and come unto Christ to
further our journey to righteousness. We may stray from the path that
Christ has laid for us, “but hand his (In spite of all, the Lord is
available if they will turn to Him) is stretched out still” (Isaiah
9:12 Footnote “d”). Again Christ says, “Wherefore, be of good cheer,
and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you”
(D&C 68:6).
We all have a great work to do, and with the help of our Savior we can
not fail. He will not let us fall short if we put our full trust in
Him, and fear not. Let us go forth and share the Gospel of Christ,
even let us shout with praises towards him of joy. “Arise; for this
matter belongeth unto thee: we also will be with thee: be of good
courage, and do it” (Ezra 10: 4).
I know that this Church is true, and through the pure mercy and love
of Christ we can be saved. I finish by quoting from Alma, Let us all,
“Look to God and live!” (Alma 37:47).
Friday, May 31, 2013
05/28/2013
So yesterday i helped pick up horse poop and i got to brush a horse. I can't ride a horse as a missionary, which stinks but oh well haha, but it was so much fun to be around them yesterday. I thought of you and how much we both love horses. It made me miss you, just thought i would let you know. Someday you Jon and I can ride horses all we want with the wind in our hair (well maybe not Jon's hair, haha just kidding love you Jon). Love you tons. Talk to you all soon.
Fun story for you! Last monday I got a text from the missionaries in Casper and they were told to tell me hi from Jon's Parents. Isn't that fun? haha. I thought it was quite awesome. I hope you are doing well this last month of your pregnancy. I pray for you and Jon always. I sent Jon a happy Birthday letter in the letters I sent home, so expect something in there. I love you all so much and i hope all is going well. Talk to you soon big sis.
Love,Monday, May 20, 2013
5/20/2013
Oh... My...Gosh, That is so much fun to see all those pictures, thank you so much for sending them! I can't Believe he is walking and standing now, how cool is that. Que Bacan! Tim is so funny, I love his personality. It's nice to see that your boys are nice enough to play with Jon in the sandbox. He's an awesome dad, and huby huby, good job on that one Kristen, haha.
I thought I would tell you a fun little story that happened this past week. While we were planning one night a wasp came flying into our room. Haha if you ever want to see my companion, Elder Bell, scream and run into the other room that is all you have to do, haha. He left me stranded in the room by myself, to defend for myself, but with time i finally caught it.
This week two situations have come before us where members have needed a blessing, but I'll tell you one that stood out to me. One was a less active that hasn't come to church for awhile because she is getting older and lives 30 minutes away. We knocked on Sister Virginia Johnson's door but no answer, so before leaving we decided to knock once more. She came through! We went into her house and gave her a lesson on the power of faith. Then feeling prompted, We asked if she would like a Blessing due to her pain and anxiety. She accepted and the spirit was very strong and the love of the Lord that I felt for her was great! I know that God directs our paths and places people in our way that are ready for our message. The power of the Priesthood is a blessing and a sacred opportunity that I am so grateful to hold and to use to bless the lives of them that I encounter. I pray that I will Never forget to carry the oil, Sanctified by Gods power, and miss out on any opportunities to bless God's children of whom I am sent to serve. I love you so much Kristen and Jon. Happy Birthday by the way Jon. I hope this Friday is such a great day and that you have ton of fun. You're awesome. I have your pictures on my wall of you two and the kids, it always makes me happy and brings a smile to my face. Talk to you soon!
Elder Criman
This week two situations have come before us where members have needed a blessing, but I'll tell you one that stood out to me. One was a less active that hasn't come to church for awhile because she is getting older and lives 30 minutes away. We knocked on Sister Virginia Johnson's door but no answer, so before leaving we decided to knock once more. She came through! We went into her house and gave her a lesson on the power of faith. Then feeling prompted, We asked if she would like a Blessing due to her pain and anxiety. She accepted and the spirit was very strong and the love of the Lord that I felt for her was great! I know that God directs our paths and places people in our way that are ready for our message. The power of the Priesthood is a blessing and a sacred opportunity that I am so grateful to hold and to use to bless the lives of them that I encounter. I pray that I will Never forget to carry the oil, Sanctified by Gods power, and miss out on any opportunities to bless God's children of whom I am sent to serve. I love you so much Kristen and Jon. Happy Birthday by the way Jon. I hope this Friday is such a great day and that you have ton of fun. You're awesome. I have your pictures on my wall of you two and the kids, it always makes me happy and brings a smile to my face. Talk to you soon!
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