2015 May 11

MOTHERS DAAY!

:D How is everyone!? I hope you all wished your mothers a happy mothers day! Mothers are amazing people that cook, care, help and love with 0 pay.

Well as for myself everything has been doing wonderfully! We have been teaching and helping people and saw four returning less actives so we are feeling really good about the work being done here.

Not much else to say except I love you all!

Elder bramans Nerd companions(lest to right)ME, Elder Rich, and elder Saunders! :D

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Benjamin Padilla <benbyu1>

That's funny. I love nerds! By the way, how much time do you have left? Just a few more months right? Time flies when you're having fun.

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Chris Padilla <chrispadillaaz>

He'll be back in Phoenix on Monday July 13th.  We still haven't gotten his itinerary.

2015 May 8

Fwd: Pics

:3 Pictures for yall from me working at the soup kitchen!(United methodist)

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Edward Padilla <padilla_ec>

Love it.

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Stephanie Padilla  <skunkysteph>

He's always been so sweet to me. I love him.

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Chris Padilla  <chrispadillaaz>

Shad says hi too

2015 May 4

WAHOOOO

Wow oh wow! This past week has been pretty full, we planned and went quite well through our week.

We met with the LaRitchies, the Bloxsoms, the Petersons, Sister Gillmore, and the Ormeshers. All of them are members in varying places but it is well worth it to meet with and help them.

Me and Elder Sandau are getting along quite swimmingly. He is a fantastic person, we've been having fun just talking about all the things in the area and mission. We've been working hard and getting along well with one another.

Aside from that not much else to say.

2015 Apr 27

the next week

This past week We worked on filling up this current week. We've reached pretty low into out investigators and we've tracted the area so much so we went to members begging for some service to do so we can spend less time in the car and less time inside of our apartment. Aside from that we were able to stay pretty busy. we met with lots of Less actives and we kept up with our returning less actives.

2015 Apr 20

hooowdy.

:3 meow

WELL this is the more random thing in this email, I am staying and getting a NEW companion! That's right you heard me, another companion one and done! I am losing Elder Orchard and getting Elder Sandau, Who was trained by Elder Draper(One of my previous companions). :D I am so stoked!

This past week we had a meeting in Spokane, where Russell M. Nelson came to speak at our mission. 2 apostles in my entire mission time! :D WOW I know. :3 Jealous?

Don't be though, because it was all uplifting things that we can find on our own time. He spoke along with our mission president, the mission presidents wife, as well as the new area seventy!(I probably mean A new area seventy but I'll act like he is the ONLY ONE[their can only be ooooone!]) Rusell M. Nelson talked a lot about the Abrahamic covenant and how the world is to blessed through his seed, but it was kind of...eh deep as well as...hard to use in teaching. The seventy spoke in depth about the wise man building his house upon the rock, just in detail what that parable is to mean and how we can look at it. THAT was very interesting.

ALSO since the whole mission was there I was able to get pictures of almost allll my former companions(exceptions being my trainer, Elder Carlson, Elder Vester, and Elder Carlile as they are all home. Two companions of mine go home at the end of this transfer! D:) I will send that soon!

Last one is Elder Braman and most of his companions! :D

2015 Apr 13

IIII don't want to set the woooorrrllld onnn fiiiirrre

I just want to spark a fllaaaame in your heeaaarrrt.(over some general conference)

I always love the talks given by Dieter F. Uchtdorf, but this general conference had many good talks that can be taught to others. I LOVE IT, especially when the Ensign comes out. All the quotes that were had this year!

"A saint is a sinner that keeps trying." was my favorite quote.

The first talk he gave upon being genuine(Dieter F. Uchtdorf) was pretty interesting, I enjoyed it and would suggest you reading it as well.  https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/on-being-genuine?lang=eng 

I hope all are doing well. I am getting along great with my companion....this is the sixth week before the next transfer call... #wheredoestimego

#3monthsbeforepadillaistranslated

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Chris Padilla <chrispadillaaz>

I loved your message to the ward!  Very mature....  :3. <3

Elder Padilla... I'm not sure if you're allowed to watch a youtube video of Elder Uctdorf but this one is great and matches you're message to the Ward... I'm proud of you.  https://youtu.be/sgRR9WZPp5c

2015 Apr 6

what more can I say

Then what was said in General conference? In deed what more can I say then what the Prophet, Apostles, and chosen speakers said this past saturday and sunday? There words were powerful(lots of rebuking this time around, I noticed it was focused mainly to members and to others about our unchanging stance on many things)

So TODAY it's SNOWING. D: NOOOOOO!

This past week was again unbelievably empty of investigator work(although we've knocked looots of doors and met lots of curious dogs.)

Studies were pretty good as well in Matthew but nothing that I don't think they already speak upon in church.

I hope all of you are doing fantastically!

2015 Mar 30

:D

 WHAT UP YA'll! Welcome to the Elder Padilla show(the older Padilla if you are wondering)!

I've had a pretty empty week to be honest so I'll tell you about my studies as of late.

LAST week we ran into a man who was pretty learned and when we discussed the scriptures we brought up what is true. And he asked us "What is truth?"

Would you like to know something? First off if anyone's wondered what is truth then it's us. We have more questions and accusations thrown at us then anyone else. Understand it is good to think and ponder, but we need to hold to the truth's we have gained.

In the Doctrine and covenants we are told "Truth is the knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come.

Whatsoever is more or less than this is the spirit of that wicked one who was a liar from the beginning"(D&C 93:24-25)

Truth is unchangeable, it is not like science which is changing most daily(and for good reason.) The understanding of men, are nowhere near to the understandings of God. God's knowledge is complete and therefore it is truth. The Gospel has not changed since Jesus Christ all the way to the Restoration of his church today. The Gospel was in the past, is here today, and will help us grow and guide us to decision in the future. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is truth.

Truth then we can agree is something unalterable and unchangeable. Therefore the truth is not just what we perceive, it is also what we know and what we feel. Just because I don't like the Law of Chastity(I speak as an investigator) it is not truth. Just because I don't understand the Book of Mormon and the word's it uses(again I speak as someone investigating and looking into the church) it can't be true.

We cannot disclude (not include) what we don't like about the gospel, this isn't a pick and pull, nor is it a candy store, the Gospel is a set of commandments from god for us as his children to follow. Therefore we have to follow and learn of his truth. We are to study the scriptures and turn in prayer to that ultimate source of truth for our knowledge. When we pray to god, when we go to church and renew our covenants, when we study the scriptures, when we have a good conversation with our friends about gospel truths the spirit will always be there to testify of it to us and them.

The Holy Ghost is the spirit of Truth. HE testifies of truth by his mere presence, and helps us move away from bad situations by moving away himself. Again in the scriptures it states

 19 And again, he that receiveth the word of truth, doth he receive it by the Spirit of truth or some other way?

 20 If it be some other way it is not of God.

 21 Therefore, why is it that ye cannot understand and know, that he that receiveth the word by the Spirit of truth receiveth it as it is preached by the Spirit of truth?

 22 Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together.

We are to receive truth through the Holy ghost. Without it, we cannot accept what is being told to us. It will be there during General conference this Easter season.

I will tell two more stories before I part.

Let me take you back for a second to the time of Jesus. HE is taken in the night by the Sadducee's and Pharisees and incorrectly judged(both by their own law and by false witness.) He is the sentenced to be judged by Pontius Pilate, for the Romans at that time controlled the Jewish nation, AND they were the only ones who could fulfill the punishment and judgement of death.(Jesus the Christ by Talmage outlines this quite well) They then took him before others before finally coming to Pontius Pilate. Pontius Pilate listened to them argue and shout, and throw accusations before him beofre he finally sent the rabble out. In a room he sat alone with Jesus before him. It is then he spoke to Jesus.

 33 Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?

 34 Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?

 35 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?

 36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

 37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

 38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? ...

Pilate spoke as one who had seen so much, and now had even come to the point where the Jews wanted a man wrongfully killed. He was one with knowledge as pertaining to the world, where all ask and search for truth. How amazed he would be if he knew how close to Truth he was. Search for truth this Easter season and listen to the voice of a prophet this General Conference.

ALSO one final story upon truth, before I sign out and wait for your answers and your own wellbeing.(BTW I am doing very well, tomorrow I go to the temple to do ordinances, and I love my companion. we are having a blast. ^_^ I will send a silly picture in a sec.)

A man and woman were married and moved into a house. The wife smiled and put a box on the shelf and told her husband "Do not look within this box." The husband agreed and was faithful. Fifteen years of marriage he finally took the box off the shelf and asked if he could finally look inside. She smiled and allowed him too. Opening the box he found two doilies and $25,000. He was truly surprised.

"Why are these Doilies here?"

The wife sat and explained. "My mom told me before we got married that each time we argued and I was frustrated with you I should pause and make a doilie to get out my anger." The husband was truly humbled now looking at the two little white doilies. In fifteen years of marriage he had only driven her to make two doilies? What a great guy he must be he thought proudly.

"What is the $25,000 from?"

His wife smiled gently. "That's all the money I've made from selling the doilies"

When we only know a little truth, we tend to look silly. 

May you have a great Easter Time! :D

2015 Mar 23

howdy howdy howdy!

:D ANd a howdy howdy to yall!

Well First off How's the family? How's the kids? how's the dog? ANYTHING ANY STORY back from you about how life is going is appreciated.

This week was lots of vistis with less active members, just talking mostly. It was good just a little bit less vibrant and exciting then YSA was. YSA we had people to talk to every minute of every second(PRetty much, that's an overstatement yes but it was still pretty busy)

NEXT WEEK I'm going to the temple on TUESDAAY! YAAAY! :P Shopping in spokane, eating in spokane, laaaughing in spokane, it will all be good.

Sadly as time has gone by I have come closer and closer to the end, the passing, the translation of missionary to normal again. I had my first trunky dream, of just being home...it was glorious and also has made me wistful...

ON the plus side I got a package from my parents full of easter goodies(Those bumpy jelly beans are going FAST! I think half the bag is gone already. Blame the zone leaders not me!) and ENYA! Which is good because the rules about music have tightened considerably!(You can only listen to music you would feel comfortable to listening in Sacrament. :/   not a wide berth of direction THERE then. some missions get NO music though so something is better then nothing.)

Monday was short and so was tuesday. Wednesday we met with brother LaRitchie who is a returning less active. He is a good guy but we could talk forever, which is not a good thing when you have to budget your time.

Thursday we went and tracted into what seemed to be the golden investigator. She was asking lots of questions and was trying to understand christianity from the ground up, and then her Uncle came in and started throwing the conversation out of kilter with random anti-mormon literature and such. BLUUUCH. X/ not happy with that....However she defended learning about it without tainted information which was actually pretty good and amazing! Oh I wanted to highfive her when she questioned the information he was throwing out.

Friday we just worked our domes off again meeting less-actives. Saturday was the same as well.

Sunday we had a full blast when we exchanged with the zone leaders.One of the Zone Leaders is Elder Braman who was a previous companion of mine. We love to joke with each other a lot. :P The other Zone Leader is Elder Lyden.

Me and Elder Orchard are doing fantastically and are getting along superbly!

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Edward Padilla <padilla_ec>

Elder Padilla,

Nice to hear you are doing well.  Keep up the hard work.

Let's see..... I'll start with Cheri.

Cheri is doing real well in her job.  As a bookkeeper she has to always think of doing the legal thing, even when her boss does not.  But she sticks up for what she knows to be right.  She also is doing a great job as young women's president. She finally got her two counselors after 6 months.  The joys of living in a branch.

Alexandria should be going back on her mission in a week.  She came back for a small surgery, after 6 weeks of recovery, she's ready to go back out. 

Denouement is becoming quite the artist.  She's been painting with oils and drawing with pencils, I'm very impressed. 

Gio is growing like weed.  We (Dena, Gio, Charlton, Kean, and Ammon), went on a hike for three days.  Gio is such a hiker.  He has a lot of stamina.  He was almost always in front and he carried one of the heaviest backpacks.  Recently Gio became a Priest.  Poor guy had to start the sacrament prayer over three times.  I remember that happens to me.  On the second mess up, about half way through I made the mistake and in frustration I said, "Oh man!".  Half the congregation said, " Amen".  I was so embarrassed.

Charlton is also growing like a weed.  He's still making his own fireworks.  I worry for him because he's such a procrastinator.  He's a straight A student, but he waits to the last minute to turn assignments in.  Just the other day he got a progress report with a C on it.  I was like "What!".  He said he had so assignments to turn in.  I church his grade three days later, an A.  Drives me crazy.

Kean is Mr happy go Lucky.  Right now he's collecting Yuigo cards (I know I spelled that wrong).  He'll buy a bunch on line and sells them at school, and keeps the ones he wants.  He's actually made more money than he's put out.  Little business man.  He's adjusted well to being a deacon.

Ammon spent almost a week with us.  It was nice getting to know him better.  He's a great young man.  He's is become quite the artist.  He had the physical strength of his father.  On our 25 mile hike, he didn't even get sore. 

We pray for you all the time.  Love you.

-- Edward

Christopher Padilla <christopher.padilla> wrote:

:D ANd a howdy howdy to yall!

Well First off How's the family? How's the kids? how's the dog? ANYTHING ANY STORY back from you about how life is going is appreciated.

2015 Mar 22

Missionary Newsletter

Dear Ward,

How are all of your doing? A stereotypical question sure enough but let me expand on it.

Are you reading your scriptures and studying them in all fullness? Are you turning your heart to God when you need him and most of all giving thanks when he needs you too? Are you not only talking the talk but walking the walk? Are you giving forgiveness to all abundantly?

Let me speak a second on forgiveness. It is amazing whenever given for it shows love to the recipient of such. It is also required for us to forgive all we can. 

D&C 64: 10 I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.

It is important then as you can see for forgiveness to be given, nay, it is REQUIRED for us to give it out. It is required we give it to our worst enemies at work, to the people that truly wronged us, and even that guy that just clipped you off that you want to give a piece of your mind too. It ain't worth it. Just take a few breaths and just release it and forget it. Forgive them fully and completely(Don't hold a grudge) We are to forgive our brothers of their spiritual debt to us fully! the lord speaks aboput this in matthew chapter 18.

 21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?

 22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

 23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.

 24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.

 25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.

 26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

 27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.

 28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.

 29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

 30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.

 31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.

 32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:

 33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?

 34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.

 35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

FORGIVE YOUR BROTHERS and God shall forgive you.

2015 Mar 16

Hey hey OUT THEEERE!

This Is Elder Padilla, talking to you from Sagle Idaho, next Sandpointe(Where I am currently emailing)

MY new companion and I are driving a NEW Chevy Equinox. :3 here is a picture of us chilling in our new riiiide.

Yeeaaah. :D

Tuesday I moved in and we saw a few people. Apparently we also did a sort of...dinner take out. The members here are excellent at feeding us, and sometimes they are so busy they just make some food, box it up, then send us home with it. It was enchiladas with red sauce, beans, and rice, all of it pretty good.

Wednesday we went in to GET our new Chevy Equinox and we were roped in to go to a LOOONG meeting with an area 70. So keep this in mind, we had an hour and a half drive going there, a half hour wait to get the car, then three hours of meeting, and then an hour and half of a drive left home. I WAS TIRED when we were going home. I slept for a about a half hour of the ride going home. After that we were able to go have dinner with our ward mission leader, which was a good fare of food, chicken and biscuits.

Weekly planning consuming time like NO OTHER! at 4 o clock we ditched on the last part of weekly planning to help out at the soup kitchen in the baptist church that is in town. It was pretty fun, but it was the first time I had ever mixed coffee for any reason whatsoever.

Friday we went out and meet people, I then met the Ohmishers who are an older couple that take care of the missionaries needs. She takes care of all the meals and setting them up, AND she gave me a brown and purple quilt which is delightful and warm. ^_^

Saturday we met with those we could and also went to the family history fair that the church was putting on for the day.

Sunday was delightful...since there are no YSA missionaries here all the missionaries in the area have to go to the YSA ward as well. At least I have my past companion from Republic here with me ELDER BRAMAN. :D Goofball extraordinaire! We had a good time in church although we have to go to 5 hours of it now. :P Oh well

thirty missionaries went home and three came out, so the next few transfers I am going to see the large wave that came out shrink down significantly. But that's what happens.