June 13, 2022

From Ben - Right In the Nose

I've gained a little more understanding of the principle of 'Nose Punching' 

As much as I wish this applied to my martial art ability, it is, for this week, applied in the context of trying to address the actual problem instead of just the symptoms. 

Hacking at the roots and not the leafs. 

Punching a problem right in the nose. 

The first instance of my next "line upon line" progression was in District Council. 

Usually I try to identify some of the challenges of the District, then focus instructions and council based on those specific challenges. 

Not a bad practice and actually exactly what I am supposed to do. 

However, I personally neglected two steps in this process of problem seeing.

1) For some reason, I didn't pray very often for this specific question. Kind of the classic blunder 

Can't really do anything without God's aid. It's kind of the point. Kind of what I'm supposed to learn. 

Then... 

2) 80% of the time, the missionaries in the district already knew the challenges that were preventing them from greater success. I didn't really need to discover, then try to solve it for them.

In District Council, we all just needed to humble ourselves a little more, openly explain challenges of the area and challenges in our own missionary methods and efforts, then work together to come up with ideas and solutions that directly tackled the issue. 

When everyone was down to be open, admit to some weakness and failing, then, in unity, optimistically work together to grow, learn and repent. Things started clicking. 

Pride is the ultimate inhibitor of progression and spiritual power. 

I only have to re-learn his lesson every week or so 

("Remember" is a very oft used word in the scriptures. Fair enough ) 

Then the next opportunity to learn the next precept for 'nose punching' happened during a lesson. 

PmG tells us a million times these things and it's kind of funny how long it takes to welcome the teachings into the heart. 

During the lesson, Elder Blum and I started explaining the Restoration and it was randomly hard to go through the lesson. 

Things weren't syncing, words were tricky, explanations randomly difficult, till finally I asked him. 

"Isaac? Do you believe in God?" 

Kind of a question we should ask first always  Kind of an important place to start. 

Could have taught that lesson to a brick wall as far as we knew. 

Anyways, once the primary concern was openly acknowledged, the groundwork to come up with the correct solution was a natural step in the conversation. 

God's nature, the role of faith, the why and what of prayer. 

It then stems from these examples for myself! 

I've got to start punching, right in the nose the challenges that I myself put myself through.

Whether that be spiritual, doctrinal, physical or otherwise. 

I get comfortable hacking at the leaves because it takes way less energy then to cut at the roots. 

It is so gratifying to identify the real issue, then solve it. 

Sunday was a great day. 

Michael, a friend of ours we somewhat didn't expect to come, came, and even invited a friend, and three families that have had challenges in getting to church came as well. 

Adhi showed up despite some resistance in the morning. 

Elders Quorum dropped some doctrine on the Priesthood that was a very needed reminder.

Under the premise of a Restored Gospel, and a real God given power and authority, the fact that I'm a holder of the Melchizedek is still something that takes a bit to wrap my head around. 

Not ever as a title, not ever as a point of status or standing. 

But as a sacred duty and responsibility to serve. To lift. To bless. 

It makes a difference on how I approach each day. 

The humor I use, the thoughts I try to think. 

It was a good Elders Quorum. 

With that, I'm going to play some basketball to close off the P-day. 

Love you all! 

1) Just a randomly good day we had. 

2) A street that yields many fruitful conversations

3) Elder Leavitt dropping his instruction on the role and importance of Praying with Faith

4) Elder Blum pulling up for a haircut

5) Fighting against a gnarly bunch of foliage during a ward service project while listening to a member share some of his cop story adventures. 

6) Preaching in the rain

7) The conclusion of a successful District Council

From Mom - I Love You, Ben!

The Stake called me to be a seminary teacher and suddenly my nerves have shot through the roof. Just the anticipation of working, going to University, teaching seminary, being a wife and mother along with every other project including the rush of this summer with LYR, FSY, Steph visiting, travelling to Vancouver Island and having Rufus come stay with us … suddenly … I understand that scripture that says, “Take therefore no thought for the morrow, for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient is the day unto the evil thereof.” If I think too much about the future, I can’t function today. 

Here are some pictures …

10 Most Beautiful Questions came up again.  I need to think about #4 and come up with my own solutions so I don’t go crazy. 

I’m, of course, rushing around this morning and you’re getting another cheater email but know that we love you and am so happy you’ll be home in less than a year. You flew out June 14, 2021 but you started the MTC three weeks before that, sooo you’ve surpassed your year mark. 

Love,

Mom