Week 18/23

So this past week with Christmas has been an interesting one for sure.

December 20, 2016: We had Service at the Humane society before we went to the J's and spent the rest of the day there.

Spiritual: You are always influencing those you know. Do not be a bad influence.

December 21, 2016: We had a long district meeting before we had dinner with the Cs. Then President C went out with us for a few hours trying people which was really good. 

Spiritual: Turn to the leader around you and they will help you

December 22, 2016: We did service at the local food pantry for a while before we went and tried a number of people including the Ns and M to no success which was a bummer. Then we had dinner with The Ss which was good.

Spiritual: Keep trying one day you will find success. The only way to fail is to stop trying.

December 23, 2016: We had lunch and a visit with the J's which was good. Then we headed up to Sterling and started the exchange. I was with Elder M and it was an interesting night of tracking.

Spiritual: You can learn a lot if you go and find someone new to talk to.

December 24, 2016: We were in Sterling most of the day. The bishop up there invited all four of us to lunch and to play game with his family. After we left Sterling we went to the Ward Mission Leader's home for dinner which was really good. Then we went to the S's to wait and find out transfer information. I will be staying here and Elder H will come up here and be the new district leader. I am excited about the change. I feel that both Elder D and I need it. he will be with another Texas Elder and I will be with an Arizona Elder so that will be fun for both of us.

Spiritual: Learn from others and you will be blessed. 

December 25, 2015: We had Church and B came which was awesome. Then we had Brunch with Bishop W the former bishop and his family. Then we made Skype calls which was awesome. Then I accidentally locked myself out in the blizzard(3 to 5 inches of snow) only wearing a long sleeve shirt and no jacket or gloves which was not fun. Then we studied the rest of the day.

Spiritual: Never give up on someone they might just surprise you.

December 26, 2016: Elder D has been packing. Not much else is planned for the day so it will be good. 

God be with you till we meet again

Elder Joshua Patterson 

I asked him how long he was outside in the snow and he said about 20 to 30 minutes apparently his companion was still Skyping. He also mentioned that he is now in the top half of the Spanish elders only 3 others have been out longer then he has, their are 4 companionship's of Spanish Elders and 4 of Sisters.

It will be interesting to see how 2 native East Valley Elders do in the winter of Colorado.

Christmas Day/ Blizzard while skyping

We got to Skype with Elder Patterson today it was so awesome to see his smiling face. He said they had plans to meet with their zone an hour away but had to cancel do to a blizzard in Fort Morgan. He also shared with us that he was getting a new companion this up coming week. As some of you know  Elder Patterson has been struggling some with wondering why he has been with his current / trainer companion for 18 weeks He has felt for most of this his companion and him have not been unified as a companionship. He has struggled with that and has continually asked for prayers and direction on how to deal with this.Thankfully he has a recently returned sister who has offered him guidance on this many times. After talking to him today both his dad

and I felt like as we have been told many times by our church leaders and in the scriptures that our Heavenly Father can see the whole picture in our lives and we cannot. We also do not know the whole picture of what is going on with those we serve and interact with. We both felt so much better after being able to skype with Joshua today. We both know Heavenly Father does hear and answer our prayers even when it is not on our time frame.

Week 17/ 23 Cold weather

December 19, 2016

So this past week has been surprising productive

.December 13, 2016: We had the humane society before we went and visited with J for about an hour and discovered he was already a member so we got the I go to get his records. After that we went to brush for a while and went to see a family we often do and for the first time they invited us in. Then they said they would like to know more about our church so we gave some hopes there.

Spiritual: Never give up on people and keep showing them love always.

December 14, 2016: We had Zone meeting which was good. We spent a decent amount of time on talking about how we often work by the spirit and do not even recognize it. After zone meeting we had dinner with the W family and they live in the middle of no where so that was a journey for sure. After that we went and visited with B for a while.

Spiritual: All good things are of god so if you doubt and it is good then go for it.

December 15, 2016: We had lunch with sister K which was really good as usual. After that we went and spoke with J's wife for a bit. Then we went and figured out what we were going to be doing the rest of the day. Then we went and visited with M and that was interesting.

Spiritual: Those older than you have a great deal of experience you can never get. Enjoy learning from them and you will be blessed.

December 16, 2016: We had a short visit with E but nothing taught. Then we did planning for the week. Then we had dinner and a lesson with J and J which was fantastic and we got a chance to visit with The ward mission leader for a few minutes. 

Spiritual: Never forget those you have come took know. Visit them on occasion as well.

December 17, 2016: Was a no drive day on account of the snow so we went and walked to a lady whose house we are supposed to shovel. Then we helped shovel the snow at the Church for a while. After that we went and were allowed to drive thankfully. We then visited with the J for a while as well. Then we headed out to W and had a lesson with the D which was also good.

Spiritual: Be grateful for what you have because you never know when it will be gone.

December 18, 2016: We had church which was good. Then we went and were taught how to cook Elder Dfavorite meal by Sister K Then we had dinner with the M and the F which was also really good. Then we met with the Zone leaders for a while which was a surprisingly pleasant visit.

Spiritual: Church always brings peace into one's life

God be with you till we meet again

Elder Joshua Patterson 

He was excited to get his Christmas box with homemade candy and cookies inside..

Week 16/22

December 12, 2016

So Today will be a bit shorter email than normal because of the weird P-Day last week.

December 7, 2016: Was last P-day. Elder D because of slippery roads tit a flat bed trailer damaging our truck a bit but nothing severe luckily.

Spiritual: Do not make decisions you know are reckless because they can hurt you more than you might want them to.

December 8, 2016: We got the accident things finalized thank goodness. Then we had service at Rising up a food pantry which was alright. Then we had dinner with the S who told us about a possible new apartment for us missionaries which is being rented out by their land lady. We then took T out with us and visited a few people.

Spiritual: Never doubt to ask for help from those are willing to help you.

December 9, 2016: We had a short lesson with a less active family in the ward and it was good. Then we did a more thorough weekly planning. Then we had dinner with the R family which was really good. Then we had a short lesson with J and J which was also good.

Spiritual: Never doubt that you can bless people even if they do not seem to be accepting of your advice.

December 10, 2016: We helped the S set up Christmas decorations. Then we contacted their land lady about the apartment they had mentioned a few days previous which we then got to tour. It is really nice it has a stove, oven, and a washer and dryer. So we are hoping that we get a call back from the Mission that we can move in come the start of the new year. Then we had dinner and a lesson with M. That was good as normal.

Spiritual: Be kind to every one and they will help you when you are in need.

December 11, 2016: We had ward council where we decided to move church for the new year to start at 10 instead of 9. After Church we had dinner with the Wolff family which was really good they really were able to give us a few referrals which was good.

Spiritual: No mater what happens some will disagree with it so do not let the loud minority effect your opinion on the truth.

December 12, 2016: We got our hair cut before we went about our normal P-Day for a while before we had district p-day of playing board games and basketball.

So that was my week.

God be with you till we meet again

Elder Joshua Patterson 

I asked him if the weather had been really cold and he said ..It is not Bad, Thursday was the only really cold day at -18 because of wind chill but other wise it has been nice.

Zone Conference/ White Elephant gift exchange.. they had some weird gift giving things. Olivia was surprised at some of the things they did. We are learning every Mission President/ Mission even stateside is very different

District p day photos

Accident on slippery road

Elder Patterson sent an email letting us know they were involved in a fender bender.  They hit a patch of ice and slid into a parked flat bed work trailer. The wife and son were real nice about it and then they were not able to talk to the owner about it till the next day. I think both Elders did not get much sleep that night.
Elder Patterson assured me that they were both okay, he said he did not like the snow after that.

The next week he let us know that the owner realized it was his fault for parking it in that spot, said someone else had recently hit it.

Picture of Elder Patterson and Elder Hinckley

Elder Hinckley  and Elder Patterson worked in the same building(Wal-mart/ Subway) pre-mission. When Elder Hinckley told Joshua where and when he was going  he was excited for him. When Joshua got his call 3 months later exact mission and both at the CCM for training it was exciting.

Zone Conference

December 7,2016

So this week has been two days longer than usual but that is not a bad thing. But I will get right in.

November 29, 2016: We had exchanges which was great. We being, Elder V and I, had dinner at  an all you can eat Chinese restaurant which was really good. Then we tried a number of people to invite to the ward Christmas party that was fun but did not have a great deal of success.

Spiritual: Every once in a while take a bit of time to visit those you do not normally visit and you will be rewarded for your efforts.

November 30, 2016: We had district meeting which was lots of fun as normal. Then we had dinner with the Edges who went out with us to try a number of people with limited success. Then we went and helped setup for the ward Christmas party.

Spiritual: People always want to help. Ask and people will do it.

December 1, 2016: We did a great deal of finding to limited success. We had dinner with the H which was good. She made sure to have us eat something from all of the food groups which was good. She then gave us a Christmas Advent calendar with chocolates under each day which elder D ate all of before we left to my dismay as well as hers. Now he has to find 25 scriptures for her instead.

Spiritual: Finding may stink but if you never try to find opportunities God will not be able. To put any into your path.

December 2, 2016: We had a good lesson with B and got another return appointment set. Then we tried a few of our investigators that we have not visited recently and got no success so we went finding still to limited success. Then we had dinner with the G which was good but different as we have never had dinner with them before. Then we did more finding.

Spiritual: Once you have touched someone's life they do not quickly forget what you have done for them.

December 3, 2016: We helped set up for the ward Christmas party before our service at the Humane Society before we had the wand Christmas party. A number of our less actives and a few of our investigators came and it was a huge success. 

Spiritual: The more service you do the happier you will be.

December 4, 2016: We had church which was good. Then we had studies before dinner with the Mathews which was short but still good. Then we had the First Presidency Christmas Devotional which was awesome. 

Spiritual: The General Authority's are representatives of God listen to them and you will earn a great deal.

December 5, 2016: We prepared for Zone conference before we went out and tried a number of people in Brush and had a short visit with G H which was really good. Then we had dinner with the Thornton's, she is our land lady, which was also pretty nice. Then we did a bit of finding before ending the day.

Spiritual: Preparation is key to being able to have success in this life. Prepare least you fail.

December 6,2016: We had Zone Conference which was amazing. Key things that were talked about were preparation, repentance, and love. I think those go well with this time of year. New things to come in the next transfer or so, Zone Conferences every transfer, Interviews every transfer, and temple trips every transfer for missionaries in a close proximity to the temple, only a third each time but still. So that was awesome.

Spiritual: Our leaders are directed by the power of God which is beyond great. Listen to them and see blessings in your life.

Well that was my week. I hope everyone can be doing the #light the world initiative it is so nice being able to serve in so many ways.

God be with you till we meet again

Elder Joshua Patterson

Week 14/20 Thanksgiving

So this week was thanksgiving week so it was really good but I will just get into the week. 

November 22: We headed up to Greeley for a DLC which I was just sitting in the foyer during. Then we went and Helped in the STL's area with a move before we started exchanges where D went with Elder N to dinner while I Elder G and I went to their apartment for dinner. Then we tried some street contacting but had no success because everyone had went home from college for the holiday.

Spiritual: Your leaders are willing to listen to your struggles.

November 23: We finished Exchanges before heading back to Fort Morgan before heading up to Sterling for district meeting. Then we returned again to Fort Morgan before we had dinner with a less active but it was still good.

Spiritual: Roleplays are important though they are not fun.

November 24: Was Thanksgiving so we spent the majority of the day with the Ds which was really fun especially talking with Brother D about his 10,000 different hobbies. 

We had the traditional Thanksgiving meal with Pumpkin, Pecan, Mixed Berry, and Ice cream pie

Spiritual: Be grateful everyday and you will be blessed.

November 25: We had a second Thanksgiving with the J's which was fun and then we had dinner with the Mys before we nada lesson or more visit with a less active named K with Brother M.

Spiritual: The spirit brings so much peace into our lives.

November 26: We helped with a move before we spent some time with the Js before we had dinner with the C family which was really good. Then we went out with President C to invite people to the ward party.

Spiritual: Always appreciate what you have because it will not always be there.

November 27: We had ward council which was surprisingly not on the budget for once. Then after Church we did a bit of tracking to no success.

Spiritual: Person study is very important 

God be with you till we meet again

Elder Joshua Patterson 

November 21.. First snowfall

This week was interesting but I will just get onto the week instead on just talking so here we go.

The weather has not been too bad it has only really gotten to sweater weather once but I am in long sleeves for the season.

November 15, 2016: We helped at the Humane society where Elder D lost a cat but that is what he does I guess. Then we had dinner with the M family which was good.then we tried to find people in Brush but had no success.

Spiritual: People are out there but you have to work to find them.

November 16, 2016: D had DLC and then we went and did service at the M's which was fun. Then we had dinner with the S's which was alright.

Spiritual: Service is always a great blessing 

November 17, 2016: Elder D was sick so we did not do anything but stay in the Apartment so I went through the Old paper area books and realized we really need to work on imputing those records.

Spiritual: The Lord will never leave you alone even when you feel like you are.

November 18, 2016: We had District meeting in Yuma which was good except Elder D in pulling into the church parking lot almost lost control of the truck because of black Ice. Then we visited a less active and talked with her for a while before we had dinner with the D's whose college aged daughter was down from Laramie and we talked about the work that is happening up there.

Spiritual: Though we might feel like we are not having success the lord is still doing a great work in other parts of his vineyard.

November 19, 2016: We had Service at the Humane Society before we had dinner with a less active Spanish sister and then we had a lesson with her which was really good. Then we tried a number of other people in Brush before we tried a former investigator which we spent a good while teaching her.

Spiritual: The Lord will aide you in what you need to do.

November 20, 2016: We had Church which was really good. Then we tried a number of our investigators and invited them to the ward Christmas party which was well received. Then we had dinner with the Z's and got a few referrals from them. Then we reconnected With B which was great. 

Spiritual: If you know anyone who might be open to a gospel message let the missionaries know and they will appreciate it so much.

God be with you till we meet again

Elder Joshua Patterson 

November 14.

So this was the last week of training so it was interesting. 

November 8: We had a normal Tuesday with the humane society. Then we had dinner with the Ms which was good. Then we sat and discussed transfer ideas which was interesting.

Spiritual: We can be a good impact on people simply by being willing to talk with them.

November 9: We were asked to do deep cleaning of the apartment so we did that before we had dinner with the Edges and then we tried to find some new investigators but to no success.

Spiritual: a clean house is one that the spirit can dwell in.

November 10: We had Zone meeting which was awesome as it always is. Then we had dinner with Sister Korby which was superb as always and the conversation was awesome as well. We also had a lesson with Jose and his family which was so good and he seemed to appreciate us coming by to see him.

Spiritual: Without the Book of Mormon what are we but believers of Christ.

November 11: We had the first contact with E in a while and had a sort lesson with her which was awesome. We had dinner and a lesson with the M's so that was great also.

Spiritual: never give up on people even if they seem to lose interest.

November 12: We had dinner with MC and a lesson in Spanish with her which was nice but also a bit of a pain not being able to understand it all that well. Then we went and found out transfer information which is that nothing changes except now Elder D is the DL. I am rather bummed because I keep feeling like I need a change of pace either from a new area   or a new companion  but I guess it is god's will not my own.

Spiritual: as we are obedient god will put words into our mouths that we may speak them.

November 13: We had ward council which was alright a lot on budget again which was annoying. We spent most of second hour talking with the Relief Society president which was awesome because she truly cares about the less actives which is great.

Spiritual: People are always looking for ways to serve others so let them if they offer.

I asked who was at his Regional Conference and this is who was..Elders 

Rasband, Useda, Durant, and Bingham, they watched it at their building since the next closest church house is an hour away.

And that was the week so that is that. 

God be with you till we meet again

Elder Joshua Patterson 

November 7,2016

So this week has been a different one that is for sure but that is not necessarily bad so I will just get into it.

November 1: We had a great lesson with B but he said he still does not feel worthy to be baptized which was too bad. The humane society was good and we helped longer than normal but it was still great.

Spiritual : No matter what sin you have committed god still wants you to come to him.

November 2: We had district meeting which we focused on teaching things of the commandments that are hard and it was great.

Spiritual: doing things that are hard in practice will make them stronger

November 3: We had interviews with President which was really good and comforting. In the evening we had a recent move in  who did not know where the church was so we visited with him for a good deal of time.

Spiritual: your leaders truly do care about you personally. 

November 4: We had a lesson with a less active named CV which was great. Not a great deal was said about the church but I feel she just needs fellowship Then we had a lesson with J and J which went okay. J said he would be baptized but not on date yet.

Spiritual: Be friends with everyone you never know all of their needs.

November 5: We spent the majority of the day with the J family and it was great but slightly weird for some reason. Then we had dinner with the Nwhich was also great.

Spiritual: While life may be tough at times never let that damage close bonds you have.

 

 

November 6: We had regional stake conference which was absolutely awesome I took a lot of notes while my companion did not and I do not understand that at all. We had dinner with the M which was awesome especially when their son came home from the army a day early to surprise them and it was great talking with him as well. We then watched the FoCo Temple culture celebration which was also amazing.

Spiritual: From conference I learned once more that we are all individually precious sons and daughters of god.

November 7: Today we are doing a district P day which will be interesting but not much else.

 Our P day activity was playing Frisbee golf that I was crummy at because I only had a putter disc but overall We me and valentine did okay only loosing by five to the winners and one to the second place team. Then we played the game bang and it was funny because you shoot someone but the card says bang so it was often said

So that was the week.

God be with you till we meet again

Elder Joshua Patterson

October 31,2016

October 31, 2016

So this week has been interesting that is for sure. But instead of rambling I will get to it.

October 25 We visited a less active named M C with the newest ward missionary P and it was in Spanish so it was interesting but I felt I was able to better comprehend different things then I have in weeks past.

Spiritual: The gifts of the spirit are very real if you earnestly seek for them.

October 26 We had district meeting which had a role play that I was asked to play the investigator for the Hermana's which was interesting but they got upset that I ask too many questions apparently. On the way to dinner a guy stopped us and asked that we stop by his house a future day so that was interesting as well.

Spiritual: People enter our paths for a reason

October 27: we helped with a food bank called Rising up as personal shoppers for the homeless which was fun. In the evening we were able to give a blessing to a less active who was feeling really sick and she asked me to do the sealing so that truly was an experience to remember.

Spiritual: if we act with faith we can do all things

October 28: We had a very full day including service at the special Olympics, a lesson with B that he said his legal issues are resolved, and then more service before we had dinner and a lesson with our one baptism since I got here and his brother which was really good.

October 29: We contacted a referral and gave him a copy of the Bible but that was all he wanted so that was not so cool. Then we tried the guy who stopped us on Wednesday and he answered and told us that we were the first Mormons he had seen since moving to Fort Morgan a few months back and that he and his wife had taken the lessons 10 years back so that was really cool and they are both very interested in the church. 

Spiritual: People will always have a choice in life so we are only to give them council if they ask for it.

October 30: Church was really good it had the fifth Sunday lesson on employment so that will be useful in two years. We had a chance to talk with a less active named GJ which was great as well.

Spiritual: God cares about more than our spiritual well being but also our physical.

October 31: We have not done much but are locked up for the night because of the holiday so that is fun. We saw the newest investigators at Walmart which was great namely since they were happy to see us and we gave them the info we learned yesterday at church because he is unemployed.

Spiritual: God will bless us with what we need when we need it.

So that was the week.

 Elder Joshua Patterson 

Fall colors in his area that we do not see at home.

October 24,2016

So this past week sure has been interesting if I can say the least.

October 18: We had an appointment with a less active named A which fell through. Then we went to the Fort Morgan boys soccer game to have dinner with CJ and just talk with her even though we had planned to invite her to take the lessons. Then we had a visit with Brother V and he accepted to retake the lessons but also asked for us to set up an interview with the bishop for him.

Spiritual: Let the spirit be your guide and it will tell you what to say.

October 19: We had district meeting in Yuma where Elder D was in charge of the lesson and did a very good job. The only part I did not like was the role play where I was partnered as a zebra companionship which was interesting.

Spiritual: Roleplays while not fun are good for all of us to think before we act in some situations

October 20: Was a very different day. We found a new service place called Rising Up. Then we had a lesson with a lady who we dropped named M which was really good. Then we tried to find a less active  and the door we tried was opened to a guy who was holding a pistol and said that now would be a good time to leave so we hightailed it out of there and then my companion told me he did not even realize the man had a gun so it just made even more interesting for me.

Spiritual: While some people may seem to have left our life path we should still try to be a good influence on them.

October 21: We had a good lesson with A which I only understood like half of it because it was in all Spanish. Then we had a great lesson with a B where he to.d us that he wants to be baptized soon.Then we had a lesson with a guy named J and his wife Al who asked a lot of good questions which was great. Then we went and gave a guy named P a blessing which was really cool.

Spiritual: People just want to learn so answer questions and do not be afraid to ask them either.

October 22: We had a good visit with K a less active before we went and had a great lesson with another less active named Patty which was really good. Then we had a great lesson with the D and that was great as well.

Spiritual: Not every visit will you get what you wanted to get accomplished done but just try your best and the lord will do the rest.

October 23: Church was great both P and Brother V were at church. Then we were able to give Brother V a blessing. Then we had dinner with the P's  which was fun they also invited the D's which was also great. Then we went and visited K and her Boyfriend

and that was a great time and visit.

Spiritual: Blessings are so awesome so do not hesitate to ask for one.

October 24: Today we will be going to Windsor to get a new car because ours is over on miles so that will be fun.  Then we will have dinner with a member of the Bishopric and his family which will be good and that will basically be the day.

God be with you till we meet again

Elder  Joshua Patterson

October 18,2016

So this week has been quite a bit slower than previous weeks with many disappointments but it still was a rather okay week so now let us begin.

October 11: During service at the Humane society 2 of the dogs I walked got off their collars but luckily the one who got out of my reach returned to the humane society and was able to be caught there. We also had a few appointments fall through which was not the most fun.

Spiritual: Like an animal will return to where it knows it will be fed we all in some way want to return to live with our father in heaven who can give us spiritual nourishment.

October 12: We got our rear driver tire repaired from the slow leak for free which was great. We also had a terrific lesson with a less active family in the ward who were very friendly but not very interested in returning to church.

Spiritual: Brother M the Ward mission leader was with us at the lesson and said afterward that we just have to keep trying and god will do the rest.

October 13: We had zone meeting in Greeley which was on remembering the Urgency of our calling and on faith that we can do the will of the lord and he will help us be successful.

Spiritual: God is on our side and we cannot lose with him there.

October 14: We started by helping with the early morning seminary class which was a blast. Then we had a few short visits with less actives.

Spiritual: The lord truly is hastening his work to bring as many to him before his son's return.

October 15: We had a very unsuccessful morning but the evening was slightly successful as we were able to visit with a stubborn old less active for a while but he does not wish to change but we cannot force others to do anything.

Spiritual: God lets spirit teach through his servants better when they do his word.

October 16: We had the opportunity to go to the Fort Collins temple dedication that was broadcast to our church house and that was awesome. 

Spiritual: Forgive those who have wronged you and you will be blessed.

October 17: Today has been a very slow day but that is good for P Day. Our one scheduled appointment fell through which was a bummer but not our will but gods be done.

Well that was the week I guess

Elder Patterson's blog

10-13-16

After reading a few of Joshua's (Elder Patterson's fellow missionary's blogs and one of the Mom's (thanks to Rachel Hixon) and letting me know how easy this is I have decided to try and do this.
I have added a couple of pictures that I do not think I have sent out in emails for this first try..

Skyping with District leaders

After being scratched by a members cat , he did get taken out to dinner because they felt so bad about it.