Missionary Slim goes to Taco Bell, again and again and again (Week 8 in Pennsylvania, Week 8 in Lebanon, PA)

You'll have to forgive me this week. I had more spiritual adventures than temporal. That's okay, though. I've still got some funny stories to share!

First off, something related to food: There is a man in our ward. His name is Hector Morales, and he LOVES tacos. That means, that whenever we go out to teach with him, he has to treat us to tacos when we're done. We usually go to Taco Bell and he orders the 12 pack, and gets a few extra for himself. And we taught with him twice this week. So that means I've eaten a LOT of tacos. Hector himself is a great guy. He's been a member for four years, but has a super strong and powerful testimony, and loves to share it. His favorite thing to say to us is "Elders, you have the keys. What does the spirit say?" (He doesn't know that, as missionaries, we actually don't have any keys. Responsibilities and authority, yes, but keys, no. Those are for the Mission President. There's your mission-related trivia for the day)

We've got a guy we're teaching named Doroteo. Apparently, he's super excited about the gospel, but I've never seen it out of him. In fact, it seems hard to imagine the guy excited about anything. Here's how our lessons go:

"Doroteo, what did Christ do for you?"

"...................(emphatic pause)...........Let me think about that. ......... Well,....He is.... our Savior....."

"Absolutely. Christ suffered for our sins and even died on the Cross so that through..."

"Hang on, I have something to say................"

It basically goes like that. We start talking, he interrupts, and then we have to patiently wait for him to say what he wants to say. He's super smart, and really wants to make sure that when he articulates his thoughts, so he is understood. And when he does talk, he has some really insightful things to say. His questions are great. In fact, he told us the other day "I hope that my questions aren't breaking your faith or nothing." They don't by the way. But they really are deep questions that give us all something to ponder. Right now, we're trying to teach him the Plan of Salvation, so that he can understand his purpose in life. He's still got a long way to go, but when he learns something and knows it's true, he sticks with it. He's really great!

We also taught another lesson to Xylina, and she actually wore pants and a long sleeved shirt! It's incredible to see how much desire she has to change, in part because of how self-conscious we make her feel, but hopefully in part because she is coming to understand her Savior and has a desire to do the right thing. She's looking for a new job (that was a pleasant surprise), and wants to quit smoking (we haven't even taught the word of wisdom yet!) While we did invite her to General Conference, she didn't make it.

John did though! He came out to priesthood session. He really felt out of place, though (considering he doesn't have the priesthood), but liked it enough to watch another session on Sunday afternoon (which made me super happy). We gave him a plan on Thursday to quit smoking. He could smoke 30 cigarettes that day, and then we subtract some from his allotment each day. Ever since then, he's been way below his allotment - 24 on Friday, 23 on Saturday, and only 13 on Sunday! He's going to be cigarette free by the 10th of April, and if all goes well (which is will) he will be baptized on the 21st!

So, did everybody love conference as much as I did? Man, that was great. Lots of wonderful gems to be had. In fact, I could probably write for several hours about all the insights which I gained. But, I'll spare your attention and your retinas (because staring at a computer screen for long periods of time is bad for you), and instead just give a few of my favorite nuggets.

First of all, what was the theme of this conference? Every conference has one or two topics which is really focused on a lot. This one seemed to have three competing for the top position - Adversity, Families, and Forgiveness.

While all of them are wonderful topics, I think there was only one which really was emphasized by nearly every single talk - Forgiveness. At least, that's what hit me the most. For example, there were countless times when we were taught about the atonement of Jesus Christ, which in and of itself is an act of forgiveness and mercy. We were taught how we could better seek the forgiveness of the Savior through repentance and through keeping the commandments. We were told of how we could receive mercy through our adversity. And I think we were especially reminded to forgive ourselves. I think self-forgiveness is one of the things which all of us could do better at. Because how can God forgive us and "remember [our sins] no more" if we can't forget them ourselves?

Also, granting forgiveness to and seeking forgiveness from others is one of the best ways we, ourselves, can gain peace and happiness and be free from guilt and shame that come from hurting another person. It's a hard thing to do; it takes humility. It takes patience with ourselves and with the person who we wronged or who wronged us. But, I know from experience, that it is one of the best ways that we can be happy. Forgiveness will allow us to fully take advantage of the atonement and truly let our burdens be taken from us. And if we are currently holding a grudge... STOP IT!

Also, another good talk was Elder Andersen's (not to be confused with Elder Anderson). I especially liked his homily "What thinks Christ of me?" A powerful question we should all ask ourselves, every day if possible! Very similar to it is the thought "What would Jesus do?" Because if we do what Jesus does, then we will be his disciples, his friends, and his companions. Also, It's never right to do wrong, and it's never wrong to do right!

My favorite talk, though, had to be from Elder Richard G. Scott (not to be confused with Elder Richard A. Anderson) who talked in Saturday Afternoon's session about how we can receive revelation and how that can help us to become better people. By preparing to receive revelation, we come closer to Christ. By acting on revelation, we come closer to Christ. In all, revelation is both a fruit of and a motivation to come closer to Christ.

So many good talks to ponder and read over and over again! What a great Conference! What a great blessing to have prophets and apostles who receive revelation from God with respect to us. What a blessing to have it so readily available to us! 15 minutes after each session, video and audio is available. Language translations are available shortly after that. The written word is available within a few days. All of these things are available to us through computers and mobile devices! No longer do we have to rely on scrolls of parchment or plates of brass to read the word of the Lord - it is available to us everywhere in the world and in many mediums. And, best of all, we get new scripture once every 6 months!

Needless to say, I love living in the future.

Well, I hope that everyone felt the spirit as much as I did watching or listening to Conference. Hopefully we can all follow what the prophets and apostles taught us. I know that they gave me a lot of things to work on personally. Hopefully we can all do better.

 I hope all of you are as happy and healthy as I am. Do good. Choose the right. Don't forget the things that are most important, like President Monson taught us Sunday Morning. Seek for Celestial Glory. Remember, as President Uchtdorf told us, that the Celestial Kingdom is filled with those who have forgiven and those who forgive. God is there. That means he forgives. Like Elder Holland said - God enjoys being merciful. Be kind, and be grateful that God is kind. That is a happy way to live! Let us follow the counsel of Elder Hales so we can come back to the father: worthily partake of the sacrament, keep a temple recommend and use it, and always have a spirit of service.

Take care!
Elder Anderson (Missionary Slim)