Ben's Mission to Toronto

From Ben - Quiet Happiness A prayer of mine totally got answered.  Last week, after somewhat stuck in the Duldrums and chained down by convenience, comfort and complacency, I finally asked in prayer what to do. (It's unfortunate how long it takes to finally rely on the Lord. Such is repentance)  I talked with Sam and Josh and had such a powerful council with them. (Brotherhood. So awesome) Josh mentioned a story from the book The Travellers Gift, and talked about the room of unrealized potential. How the real tragedy isn't the man who loses, but the man who almost wins.  We talked about how to tackle supporting others in their faith.  From that conversation my thought was  "Wow, it was so cool and so exciting to have a plan and vision for the future. Especially a plan to serve and help others" Then not long after that, my friend Sister Hutchins asked about goal setting.  Asking, "how does one set meaningful and important goals?" As this was a subject I myse...

From Ben - From Theology to Reality As we taught the three Latino families (we thought we were just visiting the one, but they invited two more from the ward for a get together. Classic  ) Elder Blum prepared his firm foundation object lesson.  Previously, in its dramatic climax, it concludes by him smashing a can of soup or beans on his exposed finger poised on his quad scriptures and having it be unscathed while the can, after the swing, reveals a great big dent in it.  This lesson never ceases to amaze small children (and even parents too) and establish the importance of a firm foundation on Jesus Christ and Gospel truth.  However, after our quick discussion of the Why behind Christ being our firm foundation, Elder Blum building the suspense for the children of whether or not his finger can take the blow, when it was time to swing, (and he swung with all he was worth to emphasize the lesson point) instead of the middle of the can, he mashed his finger  right ...

From Ben - Rough Around the Edges This week held many colors.  Wednesday was our first Zone Conference with President Stacey. Because of his brilliance in his professional life, and his renowned leadership ability before his call to serve, I was looking really closely to how he taught, led, and encouraged us, as well as the inspired teaching and council he offered, in the hopes to glean some insight from not just what he said, but who he was and how he taught.  The first thing noticed amongst many good and great things was actually his love for Sister Stacey.  It was and is one of my greatest joys to see and hear my mission President express how much he appreciates, values, and trusts in his beloved wife.  President Ensign did it for Sister Ensign, and President Stacey is doing it for Sister Stacey.  Mom and Dad, it will never get old to hear each of you tell how much you love each other behind each others backs. It's so amazing.  It fills my soul with joy ...

From Ben - Eh? And so the transfer begins afresh. After a heart-pounding couple of moments, we received the email that described both of us were staying.  To stay another with Elder Blum? A blessing from heaven.  We've still got much to learn from eachother, and so Im grateful I still get to plumb the depths of his knowledge and character.  It's was a wildly hectic week as we organized new social media assignments and prepared to train those who had been called to create content or advertise for the page.  There are some hyper-intelligent missionaries we get to work with, and it's fun to see creativity and genius lock in and flow.  Our beloved President and Sister Ensign have indeed completed their three year mission and are now just Brother and Sister Ensign. Their names will forever be remembered.  President and Sister Stacey are the new mission leaders.  President Stacey was the Chair of the International board of health, and had been recommended to...