Elder Kevin Criman: May 2013

Friday, May 31, 2013

05/28/2013

Here are Kevin's e-mails this week. They're really short, but I'm sure his letter is longer. I really need to type his last couple of letters.

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,

Elder Criman

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

Monday, May 13, 2013

My Testimony

My Testimony,

I know without a doubt that this Church is the only true Church that contains the fullness of the Gospel. God blesses us in all we do when we obey and follow his commandments. I have seen the lives of those who lose sight of God in their life and how families have been torn apart from the lack of faith and trust. A great addition to my testimony Is in Isaiah 12, and Psalms 145. I know that our Savior, Jesus the Christ, is our King and redeemer of the World. Through Christ, and only Christ, we can return to our heavenly father above, who loves us eternally and without fault. We are continually encircled about by his love and he is always there by our side. He knows each of us and our concerns. God answers every single prayer. Take advantage of that. Take advantage that God Hears and Answers every Prayer! There are times that we may feel as if God is far from us, but really, how far away are we from God? When we pray, read, study his word, and partake of His sacrament we grow closer to our God. If we knock, we shall receive because it has been promised to us and testified in the Scriptures. The reason why we receive is because God is always there and ready to give. God never faileth. His Love is perfect. We all make mistakes, and because God knows this he sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to atone for us all. God has performed many miracles, for that is what he is, a God of Miracles. Can we not see that He sincerely wants us to return and live with Him? God can not force us to grow, to endure, or to chose to hold to the iron rod, we have the divine gift of Agency! When we chose to follow God, we accept Him and His gospel which leads us to eternal life and exaltation. Chose God, Because He has already chosen you. Why else would He try so hard to make it possible to return to live with him and to receive all that He has: kingdoms of His glory. God is our loving Farther, and our Savior is the King of Kings who made all possible. Praise be to God always. I know that Christ Lives and that this is his restored Gospel, The Gospel of Jesus Christ. This Church is true and shall always be true, for it is the Lord that Directs this church. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is not a church of man, But a Church of God. Praise be to His name forever and ever! In the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Isaiah 12:

1 ^aAnd ^bin that day thou shalt say, ^cO Lord, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.

2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord ^aJehovah is my ^bstrength and my song; he also is become my ^csalvation.

3 Therefore with ^ajoy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.

4 And in that day shall ye say, ^aPraise the Lord, ^bcall upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.

5 ^aSing unto the Lord; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth.

6 Cry out and shout, thou ^ainhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the ^bmidst of thee.

Psalms 145:

1 I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.

2 Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.

3 Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.

4 One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.

5 I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works.

6 And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness.

7 They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness.

8 The Lord is ^agracious, and full of ^bcompassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.

9 The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.

10 All thy works shall praise thee, O Lord; and thy ^asaints shall bless thee.

11 They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power;

12 To make known to the sons of men his mighty ^aacts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom.

13 Thy kingdom is an ^aeverlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.

14 The Lord upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.

15 The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season.

16 Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.

17 The Lord is ^arighteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.

18 The Lord is ^anigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in ^btruth.

19 He will fulfil the ^adesire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.

20 The Lord ^apreserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy.

21 My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.

Monday, May 6, 2013

Lots of Pictures!!!

Elder Kevin Criman sent a lot of pictures today! But most of them don't have an explanation. I'm hoping he will explain in the letter we get this week.