Faith is like a little seed

Hello my dear family,

I have learned so very much this week that I don't know where to begin. Actually that is not true I have actually been forgetting a couple of things the past two letters and so I will start there. First, Mom and Dad I tried to cash the check but they said it would be very close and I should probably request a new one. Second, I have found out that I can have a guitar here and so, since I already have a few and don't want to buy another one, would there be some way you might be able to get my little backpacker guitar out to me. I don't want you to have to send it in the mail if that is possible (because I don't really trust them). I can wait for it so don't feel that you have to get it out the door today just in the next little while. I would just like to know if it is a possibility to either send it to me or maybe over the summer you could bring it to the US and then send it over. I really want it :) Okay now that I finally got that taken care of down to this week.

I have had an amazing week filled with trials but I learned a great deal and I am so grateful for the way my experiences have played out. I will actually have to start at the end and work towards the beginning because, as with most things, I didn't learn what I needed to until later. This week and over the whole time I have been out on my mission I have had trial after trial and hard time after hard time. But, this past Sunday while there was a discussion about Faith the Spirit suddenly filled my mind and made everything click. I thank my parents for having the inspired thoughts to send me talks about receiving revelation. I know that I would not have learned this wonderful lesson without the help of those words. Here is what I learned:
"Faith is like a little seed, when planted it will grow" (Children's Songbook) In Alma 32 the word is compared to a seed and people use their faith to plant it. When the seed "swells within" you, you have a knowledge that the word is good but it is not "a perfect knowledge." Then the seed sprouts and begins to grow and you have "a perfect knowledge" and your faith becomes "dormant" or, in other words your faith is no longer used in that thing. Now is that part where I learned something. After we have attained this knowledge is our work done? "I say unto you, Nay." We must then nourish our knowledge and allow it to grow up to a tree and bring forth fruit that is sweet and precious and fills us with joy. To be able to illustrate the nourishment I related certain types of nourishment to things that we are asked to do.

Watering the tree - Going to church and receiving revelation.

Sunshine - Scripture Study and Prayer.

Fertilizing - Serving others according to their needs and preaching the gospel to them.

Then you think about what happens when a storm comes. When it rains, it pours. Our trials are often related to storms and during these times I know that we receive the greatest strength and growth in our lives. We are poured out blessings from heaven. In a talk given while I was at the MTC there was the phrase "don't discount the rain." This is great counsel because I know that as we do all we can we will constantly have trials but there is always an end to your storms or an eye in the hurricane of life that comes when you feel you are at the end of your rope and the storm subsides to give way for feelings of peace and happiness and then starts again. I know this because I have felt it already. Life is a roller coaster and our Heavenly Father knows how far to push us :) I love this gospel and know that it is true. I love you all and I pray for your each day. Please let Uncle Bob know that I love him and pray for him as well. He is certainly a high priority on my list and I ask you to continually bear testimony to him of the truthfulness of this gospel even if all you say is, "God is there and He loves you." Let Uncle Bob know that I know this is true as well. I will talk to you in a week.

Sincerely,

Elder Christensen

My Testimony Regarding Music and the Healing Power of the Atonement

Hello my dear family,

Mom and dad thank you for you wise counsel and your being so in tune with the spirit of the Lord. I have been able to bear testimony often this week, to hear some wonderful talks, and to receive guidance and comfort.

Zone Conference was amazing! We had the blessed opportunity of being out in nature at one of the many parks in California (this only happens once a year). I learned a lot about how to teach and how to commit others. It was wonderful. I love nature! I love music too! We had a discussion this Zone Conference about music and the type of music that we should listen to. Many stood up and shared their insights and you could tell that many were justifying their problems. I then had the spirit tell me that I should stand and bear testimony of music. I thank my Heavenly Father for that opportunity because I learned as much as others. I learned that music is all written for a purpose. Every song whether it is to uplift, inspire, or degrade others. Evidence of this is when the General Authority asked McJagger about his music and McJagger said that his music "calculated to drive the kids to sex." When we listen to music we also have a purpose. We listen to certain styles because those styles create different feelings and emotions. On a mission every missionary must only listen to music that was written for the purpose to uplift, inspire, and edify NOT music that merely entertains. I love music and I love missionary work. To uplift, inspire, and edify is also in-line with the purpose of the Holy Ghost and so when we listen to spiritual music we are inviting the Spirit to be with us. Also, this week we taught Zhang Hui and Zhang Xiao Yun again and I was blessed again to bear testimony of the truthfulness of this wonderful, perfect gospel. As I and my companions bore testimony we were given the blessing of feeling the Spirit come into the room like a blanket of warmth and comfort.

I had the opportunity to listen to a talk given by a man named Jack R. Christensen. It is entitled "Healing The Wounded." I encourage you all to find and listen to this talk. Brother Christensen was truly inspired and gives a beautiful talk about receiving revelation and how we help others come unto Christ. I learned so much from this talk and learned the importance of asking good questions in a lesson, understanding others, and the healing power of the Book of Mormon. Because the Book of Mormon testifies of Christ and His Atonement and teaches us how to be healed through that blessed power. Reading the Book of Mormon is what heals our wounds and then heeding it's counsel is what brings us joy, comfort, and protection. I know that you will love this talk dad especially as you think about our experiences together. I learned so much and I thank my Heavenly Father for helping me and giving me this counsel and comfort.

This week was filled with learning and trials. I know that I shared what I could with you and I learned an incredible amount from the revelation you received from the Spirit. Most of the guidance and direction I have received has been about receiving revelation. I have not always been heeding the counsel that I have been given because I have feared man more than God. I am striving to overcome this fear which is hard since I have feared man most of my life. But I have found new light in this gospel. I have felt new love and care from my Heavenly Father as I have come to know Him and the power of His Son's atonement. I love my Savior Jesus Christ, I love the prophet Joseph Smith and I thank my Heavenly Father for creating this plan and giving me hope for a better world, hope for greater joy, and hope for happiness... true happiness which only comes through being able to live with our Heavenly Father throughout all eternity. And what is so amazing is that everyone... EVERYONE can have this blessing and that is why we are all called to share this gospel. Sarah, Audrey, Rebecca, Jeffrey, Mom, Dad, Elder Christensen (Da Ke), Matt, and anyone that reads this I know that this gospel is true. I know that we can be healed from the wounds we have received from our own faults and the faults of others and this ONLY comes through the Atonement of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Many have died for this gospel to prove to the world how true it is. I know that our Heavenly Father loves us and speaks to us everyday. I know that the Book of Mormon and the Bible testify of Jesus Christ and they are the only way we know of the good news, that we CAN be healed. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a true prophet of God and I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet who saw our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ who are truly to separate beings. I leave this with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Sarah, how is Pradderson doing? is he back in Nepal or has he stayed here? has he been baptized yet? How is Dino? please let him know that I hope he is well and I wish him all the best. Has Dino read the Book of Mormon at all? I love you Sarah. I do! I know that the power of the Atonement can heal all things and I know that it can heal any wounds you have as well. Read the Book of Mormon. Look for answers and I promise you that you will find what you need to be healed.

Audrey, how are your friends? have you talked to many about the gospel? I love you Audrey. I do! I know that the power of the Atonement can heal all things and I know that it can heal any wounds you have as well. Read the Book of Mormon. Look for answers and I promise you that you will find what you need to be healed.

Rebecca, how are your friends? have you shared your testimony with any of them? I love you Rebecca. I do! I know that the power of the Atonement can heal all things and I know that it can heal any wounds you have as well. Read the Book of Mormon. Look for answers and I promise you that you will find what you need to be healed.

Jeffrey, how are your friends? have you told any of them about their Father in Heaven? I love you Jeffrey. I do! I know that the power of the Atonement can heal all things and I know that it can heal any wounds you have as well. Read the Book of Mormon. Look for answers and I promise you that you will find what you need to be healed.

Mom, how are your friends? have you helped any of them understand the blessing of the Restoration? I love you Mom. I do! I know that the power of the Atonement can heal all things and I know that it can heal any wounds you have as well. Read the Book of Mormon. Look for answers and I promise you that you will find what you need to be healed.

Dad, how are your friends? have you helped them know how the Atonement has blessed the lives of your children? I love you Dad. I do! I know that the power of the Atonement can heal all things and I know that it can heal any wounds you have as well. Read the Book of Mormon. Look for answers and I promise you that you will find what you need to be healed.

Elder Christensen, how is the work? have you striven to ask questions and provide an atmosphere where your investigators can feel comfortable enough to share their wounds with you? if they have already done so? have you promised them healing? I love you Tanner. I do! I know that the power of the Atonement can heal all things and I know that it can heal any wounds you have as well. Read the Book of Mormon. Look for answers and I promise you that you will find what you need to be healed.

Matt, how are your friends? how is your eternal family? have you shared with any of them the strong testimony of the gospel you have received from being on a mission? have you allowed the healing power of the scriptures to thrive in your home? I love you Matt. I do! I know that the power of the Atonement can heal all things and I know that it can heal any wounds you have as well. Read the Book of Mormon. Look for answers and I promise you that you will find what you need to be healed.

These promises are real. There is power in the Atonement that we have all felt. Our family has been healed by it's eternal power and we can see it if we look. I know that this is what we are called to teach. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is His Atonement and the steps needed to be healed. God has given all of us a commandment to, "Preach [His] Gospel." As we share a testimony it grows and as we share our testimony of the power of this Gospel I promise that our testimony of the gospel will increase and we will be blessed with healing. I know this gospel is true. I do! I know that the power of the Atonement can heal all things and I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Sincerely,

Elder Christensen (Xiao Ke)

Happy Mother's Day

Dear Family,

Happy Mother's Day Mom, and Happy Birthday Jeffrey! I hope that both days were memorable. I love you. This week has been really hard but I am still working through it and trying to build our confidence in the way the Lord works. I find that my being shy is really not helping me at this point and I don't think it ever will in my life. I want to push my self and move forward but I feel that I am being held back. Dad and Mom I know that because I am your son you can receive revelation for me to know what to tell me. I ask for assistance. I can promise you that as you pray and listen to the Spirit, though I cannot tell you my whole situation, the Lord can and will guide you. I know this because I have had the blessed opportunity of receiving revelation for certain members of my district as their district leader. Please don't think that anything you are told to tell me is too hard. I only ask for assistance and know that as my parents you have that sacred ability to receive revelation for me. I love you both very much and pray for you all the time. Well I heard that everyone likes the personalized letters and so I will do my best to keep them going. I don't know how much time I have so I might have to quickly end at any point.

First, Rebecca I heard from mom and dad that you are doing better. I love you so much and am so grateful to be your older brother but you are like a Nephi to me. You are a wonderful example of the things I talked about in my last letter and I thank you for your love towards me and towards others. You have taught me so much about being closer to the spirit and loving others. Your bright face shines with a testimony of the gospel that I know your have. You are so sweet and I know that as you follow the counsel of your parents you will receive strength and comfort. You decided who your parents are and you now live with the wonderful consequences of having a mother and father who love you and do their best to give you all they can and make you happy. You will be able to learn a lot from their counsel.

Sarah, You are getting ready to go out into the world in just a few months. A new world filled with endless possibilities and great joys and trials. I hope that you can focus on your purpose in life and study it often. God tells us our purpose when he asks us to be like Him. Our purpose on earth is to grow and learn and become (eventually) like our Heavenly Father. But, many people do not realize this purpose and potential and when that happens you get a world like today full of sorrow, hate, cheating, etc. But when we realize our purpose and write that purpose on our hearts, meaning that we have that purpose as the forefront of all of our desires, then living the gospel doesn't become a burden any more. The gospel is full of doctrine that guides our lives and leads us back to our Heavenly Father. Since this has been our purpose since the beginning of time we must have this desire. Joseph Smith shows how he understands his purpose in the movie "The Prophet of the Restoration: Joseph Smith" when Emma asks the question, "Do you ever feel as though God is asking too much?" and Joseph replies, "I do not let myself." Just as Joseph Smith we must not let ourselves think poorly of God because He is the one who ultimately loves us more than anyone else. He loves you dearly and desires the best for you and that is why we have the commandments. If we think poorly of the commandments we think poorly of God and He cannot help us at that instant. But "when obedience stops being a burden and becomes our goal in that instant God will endow us with power from on high." (Ezra Taft Benson, the words might be a little different) I love you as well and know that as you study your purpose and understand it fully you will be blessed with a lighter burden and with joy, true joy.

Audrey, You will be going with Mom and Dad for a few more years but your are entering a whole new world. One of excitement that is fast paced and difficult as well. If you ask Sarah you can learn of the world I speak of ;)... :) ... :D... High School. This is a wonderful time that is again very different from middle school. There is a large amount of change that takes place during these 4 years and I loved every minute of it. There were many trials for me but as I was able to smile at those trials it made the experience much more bearable. You have the tremendous gift of the gospel in your life that is a guide to all who study its principles every day. I have learned the great value in studying the scriptures and praying every... EVERY day. If you miss one day then your armor immediately stops building and is starting to be taken away. I love this gospel and how applicable it is to our lives and I know that every day we have new experiences and new questions but you can only receive answers to those questions when you study the gospel. This church is a church of answers. We invite all to ask questions constantly and promise answers because God has promised answers. Other churches tend to shy away from questions and fend off those questions with the easy, broad, undefined aswer for everything and that is that we will never really understand everything. But, I promise you and testify that our Heavenly Father desires for us to know EVERYTHING. He wants to give us specific answers that apply to our lives. I love this gospel because I have received specific answers.

Jeffrey, you are also now at a time of great growth and you have the blessing of having the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Do you want to know why the Holy Ghost is so cool? The Holy Ghost is a God. He knows everything and can tell you whatever you need to know. But, the only way He can tell you these things is when you are obeying the commandments. The direction received from the Holy Ghost is very important and special. But, we must be listening to Him. I know that you can hear the Holy Ghost as you pray every morning and night. Also, if you really take time to understand the scriptures you will be given the gift to know what things mean. Your questions have an answer and that answer comes through the Holy Ghost.

Aunt Carol and Uncle Jim, I am so happy that you have the opportunity to go to Hong Kong. How do you like it? I am so very grateful for your examples to me. Aunt Carol you also have a wonderful feeling of love that follows you and extends to those you meet. I thank you for your service to me in times when our family was allowed to stay in your home. Uncle Jim you have have wonderful smile and happy atmosphere around you are also punctual and this is very very important. I thank you as well for your love and generosity towards me and the example you have been that I look up to and strive to make a part of my life. I love you both and thank you again.

I have had a good week and I know that this gospel is so very true. We are teaching a man and his daughter from He Bei, China which includes Bei Jing. They are hard to teach because of one slight mistake that leaves a broad gap between their beliefs and ours. I love them both and pray for them. They are willing to understand our beliefs but they are moving slowly in acting on the things that we give them. Zhang Hui is the one that I told you reminds me of Bro. Sadiosa. He is such a loving fun character and his daughter Xiao Yun is shy. They are a great family that I hope eventually joins the true and everlasting Gospel of Jesus Christ. Along with them we are teaching a wonderful woman named Chen Yan who seems to be accepting the things we teach very quickly because she realizes a feeling that she doesn't feel anywhere else. I pray that she may feel of that spirit more as we teach and pray that we may help her realize more deeply the truth of this gospel. I know this gospel is true and I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet who was privileged to see God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. I know that The Godhead is three separate beings united in purpose which is to "bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." (Moses 1:39) They all love us tremendously and I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Sincerely,

Elder Christensen

The More I Talk to People the More I Feel My Love Build

My dear Family,

I am very very excited for Mother's Day as well and I just learned that I will be able to talk for about one hour and I will be allowed to talk on Sunday, May 9. So I think I will call you at 4pm hear which will be 7am there on Monday, May 10. I am so glad to hear that all is going well and that Uncle Jim and Aunt Carol are able to come soon too. I am also glad that I too fasted for Unce Bob on Sunday and so I joined with the faith of the family. I am having a wonderful time here in San Jose. I love everyone I come in contact with. It is an interesting feeling that I haven't ever felt before but it seems that the more I talk to people the more I feel my love build. I recently met a man named Zhang1 Hui1 who is from He2 Bei3 China (the province that encompasses Beijing). He does have quite a strong accent ;) and I heard of his story from my companions a little while ago. He reminds me a lot of Brother Sadiosa and is a very loving character. He has a "stubborn" (that's a little strong of a word) belief in the Trinity but he believes the words that we say. He came to church this past Sunday and heard the many testimonies given by the members. He has a daughter as well who goes to a different church and likes to go there more than coming to our branch. I love them both and am grateful for the blessing it is to know them. The daughter's name is Xiao Yun and we have taught her as well. She has a few troubles of her own. I believe that they are progressing though. We have had two really good lessons with them both and they kept part of their commitments (which is a start) I think we just need to meet with them a little more often and they are happy to listen and learn. I pray for them each night. I love this gospel and I am so happy that I can meet and get to know people from asia here in the United States. They are a wonderful people with a great culture and I love them.

Rebecca, I just read mom's note about you and I want you to know that I have felt that way a great many times. Most of the times it is when I have the most growth in my testimony and spirituality. Don't worry the Lord has a plan for you. I want you to read the talk from Jeffrey R. Holland about Christ's Atonement with mom. I think you will find that because of the Atonement you are never alone. I promise you that Jesus Christ is always there to hold your hand if you give it to Him. He will take you through some rough areas but will never let you get into any danger so long as you hold His hand. And when you get through and look back over your shoulder you will see a beautiful sunset. Our trials are what bring us the greatest joy and happiness. Alma explained this perfectly when he said that "there could be nothing so exquisite and so bitter as were my pains. Yea, and again I say unto you, my [sister], that on the other hand, there could be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy." (Alma 36:21) The joy that Alma felt was equal to the pain that he felt before. Jesus Christ talks of his suffering in Doctrine and Covenants 19:16-19 and talks of the exceeding pain that he had. But, because he was willing to go through that pain, alone, he was giving joy beyond compare because his pains were beyond compare. So, when you feel pain just know that joy will be just around the corner. That is applicable to all not just Rebecca. I know this to be true and I know that our Heavenly Father does pay attention to the detail in our lives and in that way our lives are beautiful and of great value to Him. He loves us dearly and desires worlds without end for us and that is why we have commandments.

I have learned a lot about obedience and its importance. The 2000 stripling warriors were exactly obedient because they understood that only through exact obedience are we able to receive the promised blessings. If we are disobedient then we may still have joy but our joy will only last during this life. What we are doing in this life as we follow the commandments is giving ourselves more freedom because we are not only free during this life, we are also free in the life to come. If we are too lax with our standards now we feel free in this life but we condemn ourselves in the life to come. I love you all and I wish I had more time to write. I am so excited to be a missionary and I know that through our trials we will receive greater joy and happiness. I wish you all the best and will talk to you soon ;)

Sincerely,

Elder Christensen