Ben's Mission to Toronto

From Ben - Adventurous Milkshakes happened in the week comes to mind.  I can remember feelings of blazing glory, dreary drabness, awkward effort, and hilarious rejections.  It really does blend into an adventurous milkshake, that, without effective journaling and conscious effort, can blend together cool micro-miracles and revelations.  So, we'll try to pick out some of the Oreos  Oreo # 1 : District Council!  I had repented of the previous error, and tried to make it far more Christ centered.  A totally different spirit entered the picture.  I felt great, everyone else felt great, and motivation was boosted.  This week I have been blessed beyond measure to have received a second senior couple in my district.  We've got a set of Sisters, a set of Elders, and now two senior couples.  An A-team if I've ever heard of it. Each are incredible. Each have unique weaknesses, yet unimaginable potential.  I trying my best to love them, and wh...

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 ...