9-28-2015

We received another referral from the same family that referred BlesmeLord. Sister Janine. actually, I tried to teach her 5 months ago with Elder Anota, but it was COMPLETELY different this time!

She will be marrying the relief society president's son on October 24. (good day) and she came to church!

we taught a really really powerful lesson about covenants, and how baptism leads to celestial sealing! we discussed how the church will help her develop a personal relationship with her Savior.

we invited her to be baptized the week after the wedding, but that is a national holiday "araw ng mga patay" or "all saints' day." which is like our memorial day. In my experience this is the most celebrated holiday right up there with Easter, and Christmas.

she asked if she could be baptized the week after that. of course we said okay.

We keep having brown outs, everyday, for hours at a time! It's also been a heat wave. 

here is an unsolicited math equation: heat - electric fans =  ,:P   (that's a sweating emoticon)

have a great week everyone!

9-21-2015

I had a really great week. I had everything straitened out Tuesday. 

My companion on the other hand is super sick. He's got rashes, joint pain, and a high off and on fever. Dengue!  yikes! people wont let us teach them sometimes "you should be in a hospital!" but we have a no admittance policy in the mission. If he needs it, he gets sent to Manila. The only cure for Dengue is time. so there is not much more the hospital can do than we can. lots of water!

There's been a lot of miscommunication, which was the cause of my troubles, but everything has been sorted. :D 

The result has been a good talk. my companion and I have been a lot more effective, and I feel the Spirit in our lessons. what else can I ask for?

9-14-2015

Dear Family,

     Another up and down week!
The week started really bad. We, for the last transfer, have been progressively more and more disobedient. I felt so bad. I didn't like it. but I didn't have the courage to stand and say "no!"

     I emailed my stake president to ask for advice. He told me a similar experience from his own mission, and said "my only regret was not doing it with full disclosure to the mission president. Elder Cook, Roar like a lion!" so I set an appointment with the mission president to tell him of my stress.

     Tuesday, things continued to progress. I was an object being acted upon. I wasn't acting for myself. and then a member saw us, and called the zone leaders. what added to my stress, was what the zone leader said "Just be more careful next time, so that you don't get caught. I don't want President finding out about this"

     Then Thursday came around. before this I couldn't sleep. It was hard to focus. But I told President, and I asked for a blessing. I felt really really good. At first Elder Jones was upset, then he seemed okay. after that he got really sad. We had a great talk. I told him what I want to do. I act. I am agent to myself. I am responsible for my situation, for better or worse. and now, we joke and laugh like nothing happened. 

     We were riding a tricycle home, and I sat on the outside. I felt soooo good! I thought "I roared like a lion! no, wait! Juda is the lion! What is Ephraim?" And then I remembered. I ROARED LIKE A UNICORN!!!! I tried to imagine this, but nearly had a heart attack, and fell off the tricycle!

     everything was going great!!! Until this morning... We had particular discussion with the zone leaders. We told them last night, we would not be attending the zone activity. They told us in text that we would not need to attend. But this morning, they called and said that President Balledos told us our "P-day privileges" had been revoked. we thought they were saying that we would stay home until after the activity, but they said we had to stay inside all day! I know this is not what President does, because he would have us instead go out and work. so I called him. The zone leaders called again "You need to call President right now." I snapped! I told them that we were buying phone minutes, and then I would call, and I hung up, because I was so angry.

I did talk to President, and everything he told me was different than what they said. He said that he gave them permission to do what ever punishment they felt necessary for us, because he trusted them as zone leaders. but they told us that President chose to make us stay in the house all day. The zone leaders called us "disobedient loosers" (I used their spelling) but President just told me it sounded like a miss communication, and told me to talk to the zone leaders, and if necessary elevate to the assistants to the President.

The zone leaders told Elder Jones (I talked to President, he talked to them. we played to our advantages.) that they were going to "revoke the punishment" but when I snapped, they decided to let us still be punished

I am just sick of highschool type drama. I graduated 5 years ago for crying out loud! It was never like this at RadioShack, and sometimes work drama was pretty hot!

I am including my email to President:

Dear President,
First, my report: Elder Jones and I had a talk, and everything is going great. I saw an immediate change in our lessons, and even though it was only 3 days, even our stats reflect the change! We found six investigators in 3 days, which was really important, because we haven't gone finding in 6 weeks before now. and the best part: I feel the Spirit in our lessons :D I'm not concerned now about how I am going to handle disobedient choices. before I was too afraid to stop us, but now I have courage, and I think Elder Jones also really really wants to do the right thing!

But, I am having a really reeaalllly hard time with other missionaries. especially the leaders. I know this is bad, and It's probably my fault. we just have a difficult time communicating. I specifically hate getting insulted. and they say they are joking, but it doesn't sound like a joke to me. I'll be honest, I'm shaking right now, almost crying, because I am so angry. but I know it's just because of my own communication skills. I want to just give up and emergency transfer, but I don't think that will actually help. I wont learn anything either. I have tried soooooo hard to be obedient my entire mission. the only thing I want, is to preach the gospel. but one transfer changed everything! instead I have to deal with other missionaries. I get most angry when missionaries insult me for doing things I KNOW they did before. they don't even chastise, they just insult. I didn't even want to be doing disobedient things anyway, (and we haven't since I talked to you in your office.) which is what makes it even worse. I just need to learn how to talk to people.

how can I learn better communication skills?

what I learned about agency: Agency is acting as an agent, in one's best interest. if we are agents to ourselves, then we are making choices in our own best interest; choices that will lead to everlasting life. It's like you said making the right choice every time. Agency is stewardship of our own choices which is made up of three things:
1. knowing our responsibility. The Lord will make clear to us the difference between right and wrong.
2. actually making the decision. 
3. taking responsibility. since we are able to make decisions, we are response-able. responsible. and this means we are accountable to the consequence of our actions. if we admit we are responsible, sometimes we also must admit we are irresponsible. It might be difficult, but this is maturity, and allows us to repent. It's hard, but when you accept it, it makes you feel great.

Thank you for understanding, and still loving us. I know I can trust you to do the right thing, and It makes me feel secure, especially in such a dark and dreary world. I know I can endure to the end. the Lord has lessons for us to learn, and when I go home I will be a different person!

But I know that those with the Truth need not fear, and I am doing my absolute best to be obedient. I want to live after the manner of happiness, and I must admit, I chose this situation, and I can choose a new one for the future. and I'm still happy. Because I know how to choose my future! I just gotta keep going. forget myself and go to work.

I got some really good news from President last Thursday, after my interview. I was told I will be opening for a third time! and not only that, I will be training. Unless of course something happens. who knows. but that's what's going on right now!

Have a great week! ROAAAAAAAAAAAR! 

9-7-2015

Note from Mom: I haven't been on the computer. I've read and responded to letters but getting them posted to the blog is a different animal requiring the computer. Sorry!

I have to say, that Brother Covey's book, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People has been really, really helpful. I am really glad I'm allowed to read it! (I was told President also said we could read How to Win Friends and Influence People, but we don't have a copy in the house) I've been taking a chapter, and identifying every gospel quote (that he doesn't he doesn't credit) and finding a chapter in the Book of Mormon (or Doctrine and Covenants) that teaches the same principle. I will be using the language from the book, so if not everything makes sense, go ahead and read the book!

     The first section is about Paradigm. This is natural Law. I have described Law, (a Gospel Doctrine) in terms of Programming. 

if(boolean_expression)
{
   /* statement(s) will execute if the boolean expression is true */
}
else
{
  /* statement(s) will execute if the boolean expression is false */
}

for example: D&C 82:10

if(Do_what_I_say = TRUE)
{
   Lord = BOUND;
}
else
{
  Promise = NO;
}

     Now, mind you, this gives justification to the word 'should'! if you WANT something then you SHOULD do what is necessary for that blessing. (see D&C 130:20-21)

     The next bit is about Agency, and Accountability (Gospel Principles) 

The best thing I remember is when he said, "if you are in a bad situation, you chose it." 

     D&C 58:

28 For the power is in them, wherein they are agents untothemselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall innowise lose their reward.

     2 Nephi 2:26 And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall. And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be actedupon, save it be by the punishment of the law at the great and last day, according to the commandments which God hath given.         I remember this concept making me really really happy! I realized If I chose to be where I am now, I can choose a better way!
     The this Principle I found was Spiritual Creation. (refer to Abraham 4 section heading, and Abraham 5:1-5)
     In order to act and not be acted upon, we have to plan to act. He gives a lot of techniques, but I haven't quite mastered this chapter, so I won't explain it :D

 

    I've only read the first three habits (private victories), but I am not quite ready to move on to the next four. I saw quite a bit of difference between the beginning of the week, before I read anything, and the last few days, as I've tried to apply new skills. for example, Wednesday, I got ready to work, and stood waiting for two hours, while my companion just sat on the bed, playing cell phone games. he wasn't dressed, but at 12:00 (when we should be going home) he insisted he had been ready since 10:00. 

later that day, I studied 

​the habit ​

"be proactive" 

​     ​The following Friday, in a similar situation, I very quickly, (and with a big smile I might add) said "Hey! I'm ready! let's go find" and we were out the door in 15 minutes.

​     Now, I haven't quite found a solution to all my paradigms.​ for example, that same Friday, we did in fact go finding. However, while I was talking to people, he just sat down on the side of the road, and waited til I finished talking to everybody on the street. I think this is a case of P/PC. I can get the eggs, by talking to everybody myself, but I have not yet figured out how to encourage the goose... I mean Elder Jones.

​     I asked him the next day: "what keeps you going on your mission?" he said "I'm not​ doing it for President. I want to go home at least somewhat honorably. I want to work harder. I want to find at least one more family.

​     For those of you that have gone through POC, I think they "plagiarized ​shamelessly" the principles they teach seem to come strait out of 7 habits, with their own stuff added in, and the expound quite a bit. But I like this book a bit better, because the author is obviously LDS, and even though he never comes out and says he is quoting the scriptures, he doesn't hesitate to :D

Everyone have a really great week. or in other words, act to have a good week!

love you all!

Emails from Aug 24 and 31

Note from Mom: I was super busy with the start of school so I didn't get this posted. I'm sorry for the delay.

Email from Aug 24

oh! I forgot to write a mass email! I am out of time, so I will share this only:

"

The future is bright, and Latter-day Saints have every reason to be optimistic 

....

 It might be well to remind ourselves that Enoch and his people established Zion in their day, also a time of great wickedness. We will do the same.

" 

I finished reading the institute guide "Doctrines of the Gospel" in just one week! this is my Favorite quote. It reminds me no matter what is going on around me , no matter how disobedient other people are, I can still increase in light and truth.

I was super stressed before, but I suddenly realized that the Lord is pleased with my effort. I am pushing as hard as I possibly can, so even if other things, out side of my circle of influence keep me from reaching my goal, those things are INSIDE of the Lord's circle of influence, and He won't let me fail. so as  long as I don't relax on my effort, I will continue to succeed with His will, even if I don't see what I am achieving. 

I know this sounds super cliche, but I honestly believe this, and I can't tell you how much comfort it brought me. and I get along better with everyone now, because I am not uptight. I realized for months now I have been complaining about companions. I feel sooooo bad. that is not charity. they are trying too. and they have a different perspective on what success is. so they might feel very successful! 

I want to work on Charity. I know the Lord will help! have a great week!

my watch broke!

He said he didn't write a mass but here it is. Silly Elder.

a lot of stress happened this week. 

But before I get to that, I want to apologize for complaining about my companions for so long. It was really prideful of me! Especially Elder Jones. He does some very disobedient things, but to be honest, He's one of the few people here who is essentially nice to me!

We had an FHE with our Investigator with a Baptisimal Date. half way through the games, He stood up and said "This is childish! I am leaving!" and it was at his house! To compound this, there was a young man there, who has severe anxiety attacks! He couldn't function well, and hasn't been able to go into work since then, having an anxiety attack every evening!

Gossip from the other missionaries has been affecting me real bad. I cried in front of a member... They tell me I am bad for sharing experiences in our zone meetings. I have essentially stopped participating. but last thursday, I only raised my hand once the whole day, and after the conference, the other Elders came up to Elder Jones and told him how bad it was that I participate. but that was nothing compared to what happened the next day!

The investigator I mentioned earlier, DIED! Here's his story: He used to be wealthy, but he sold some land to the Governer, and 3 million went "missing." Due a legal dispute, he was promised 8 million from his niece, (It was locked up by something similar to a lien) and had loaned her over a million to pay "lawyer fees." this niece was just running with the money! when his savings were running out, he began borrowing money to pay the niece, he borrowed more money to pay the loans he took, slowly he began borrowing more an more to pay the people he was borrowing from, kind of like a pyramid. Eventually he borrowed from a very dangerous source who gave him 5 days to pay back. He died on the 5th day of high blood pressure from the stress! His cousin is a member in our ward. he told us that the niece is now in prison. His baptism was supposed to be Saturday! Elder Jones has taken this VERY hard! he is unable to focus now.

I told all this to my mission president, of course, and I want to quote my last paragraph to him:

"However I am not coming to you with problems, I am telling you this to explain how I solved my problems. I have found much strength and power in the Book of Mormon. the Chapter that meant most to me this week was Ether 12. It solved all my problems at once! I learned about Faith to overcome any obstacle in my way. and I also like the scripture about the other missionaries' gossip: "Fools mock but they shall mourn!" haha Most important in any time of trouble is the presence of the Holy Ghost. He is called the comforter for a reason!  :D

We understand the plan of salvation, so we can't be too sad for brother Mariano. next week will be much better!"

I guess you might describe it as Irony, that the activity days girls mailed me a 14 day advent calendar, and the last day was Friday.

Elder Jones and I also had a conversation about disobedience, and have seen MARKED improvement. also, the more trials I have the more I learn, so I really can not be unhappy about it. 

Moses 5:11

11 And Eve, his wife, heard all these things and was glad, saying: Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should haveknown good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient.

Ecclesiastes 7:3

3 Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.

Email from Aug 31 (today)

sorry my email is late! we had a service project (even though it's p-day) so I just now have the chance to write!

This week, We had a bunch of new missionaries come in! We were requested to exchange with them the day before they meet their trainer. Elder Youngerman, who was with us in the MTC but went home came back this transfer, and was with Elder Jones. I exchanged with Elder Richardson, who will be trained by Elder Heninger, MY SON! in otherwords, I met my GRANDSON! heh heh He's a good kid, but he also went to Bingham.

good or bad news: (I am not yet sure.) I was extended. only 2 of us were extended! they rest of my batch is still being released on the 16th, while Elder Brig Perkins and I are being released on: the THIRTIETH! 

In regards to missing Starwars and Christmas, the only response I can give is best quoted by mister Skywalker himself, right after his hand was cut off: "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!"

I don't know why we were extended... they say it has to do with travel blocks on the 24th-29th, but my release date wasn't in that period. also, why were only the two of us extended? I am however excited to have just that much longer to be in the Lord's service, and I have absolutely no excuse to be home sickness, as I won't have any special upcoming events to look forward to!

Rereading that last paragraph, I said to Elder Jones "My English is so gone." after which he reminded me that it should have been "My English is so wrong"

I have a copy of "History of the Church: volume six" (I think I told you we found this at a used book store) and I am now past chapter 8. Joseph Smith was an interesting politician! I thought it was cool how Porter Rockwell got out of prison in Missouri, and arrived back in Nauvoo on Christmas day!

I'd love to tell you how the work is going, but It's not. we have so few investigators. I just have such a finding in my current companionship. but that's okay for now, we have good lessons with less active members.

I memorized the circle of fifths. there's that.

Mariano death was confirmed murder, but it wasn't poison, it was blunt force to the head. eep. we'll be taking him to the temple in a year.

for our service project, we build a house. Nifty experience to put on a job application no?

well, since this is so late, I don't want to spend too much time on the email, so if you don't get a reply this week, expect one the next!

love you all! have a great week!

Mass Emails from July 27, Aug 10 and Aug 17

Note from mom:

I have been having a hard time keeping up on email in general and then I've really gotten behind. I have over 700 unread emails. Sadly, as I was cleaning Andrew's room up for my girls to move in, I neglected to read his emails. lol I guess we can't all be perfect.

His emails have confused me a little bit. They are coming as replies vs individual letters so I am not really sure what to post.

Here is July 27, what I assume was meant for the mass emails.

we had zone meeting, and the ward members gave me stress. they like to gossip, and asked me to tell the other missionaries some pretty mean things. not fun.

We went on Exchanges. apparently, the mission has redefined what Elder Bowen asked us to do. It is now no longer "testify to 30 people" but "teach 40 lessons." They specifically told us we do NOT need to testify to 30 people, if we teach 40 lessons a week. also the word 'testify', I am told, means "Hi, I am Elder Doe. this is a pass along card. It has our strange message on the website. call our number. bye!"  Although, I don't see this as testifying, it is still more than doing nothing, so I can't complain. I am told, since the 40 lesson plan happened, our mission's overall baptisms have PLUMMETED! sad, sad news. BUT I don't have to worry about what anyone else does, as long as I do what the Lord expects right?

Both my companion and I got sick the same day, with different sickness, so I guess that was a sign "stay inside today Elders" In fact, (He gave me permission to say) my companion defecated in his trousers. dalawang basis... sigh...

We had interviews with President. I love that guy so much. He doesn't usually give great personal advice, but I can tell he cares, because he says things like "Elder Cook, I really enjoy your weekly letters. I like how you never come to me with problems to solve, but you always tell me how you made your own solutions."

we made a camp fire on our roof when the power went out. don't worry, Our house is 100 % pure concrete. there was no danger of house fire. especially since we were all boyscouts... (hehe)

AND BlesmeLord who was just baptised, recieved the Aaronic priesthood. #ETTE!

And Finally, today, we went to the Ma-Cho taoist temple before emailing. our mission has 2 Taoist temples in the boundaries, which is cool, because the only other places that do are the capitol, and cebu. just picture Chinese pagoda and feng-shui gardens. Really peacefull and serine. They don't consider them selves a religious temple though... occasionally they allow the Catholics to hold mass there. There is an AMAZING view deck hike, which is on TOP of the mountain. on one side you see the Baguio mountain range, and on the other side, you see the China sea, (or San Fernando Bay) the two best places in the mission! :D I really felt zen. not quite the Spirit, but zen is nice too. 

have a great week! love you all! ingat!

August 10

This week, for my mass email, I will just send what I sent to my mission president:

Cook, Andrew David

Hello po President.
Last week, the computer gave me errors, but this week, I'm able to email you just fine. 
This week, I have really felt the power of the Atonement, and gained A LOT from my personal studies. 
The Book of Mormon always gives me hope. I can feel a sharp increase in my Light :D
I have mostly studied the Doctrine and Covenants. I have learned a lot of great verses about missionary work. and Spiritual gifts.

In the sacrament, I visualized a man being pulled by someone else into a filthy river. this is how I felt before. No matter how hard I try to fulfill my purpose, I feel like the other missionaries, (who are a little less dedicated) try to pull me down to their level. After partaking of the sacrament, and asking for help through the Atonement, the image changed. I now visualize the same two people at the river, but instead of the one trying to drag the other in, I visualize, the one outside trying to help the other out of the river. of course, the current is still strong. the water is trying to sweep both of them away, but the stronger a foundation the one has on the rock of his redeemer, no power under hell can overpower them!

This is all. thanks for all you do for us! ingat po.

Well, I did draw some nifty little pictures to describe what was in my head, but I don't have a scanner, so I will just use this instead: 

Have a great week! I love you all!  Thanks for being great!

August 17

• I have had the bestest week ever! I took a self evaluation. am I acheiving what I want to be a achieving? no. am I becoming what I want to be? yes. I am becoming more sanctified. am I doing what the Lord expects of me? I think... yes. I realized that I was setting my expectations higher than Father actually was. that is why I was getting frustrated. because the Lord would not allow his work to fail. so if I am failing, then I must not be trying to achieve what the Lord wants. HE understands that there are many factors. HE understands that my companion is not ready to teach 40 lessons. So He is not mad at me, because He knows I WOULD be doing it right under different circumstances. He knows I am putting in more effort than I am actually physically capable of!
  
  When I realized this. all the stress went away :D and then I started studying. I learned the most amazing things this week! I have really torn apart the Doctrine and Covenants. I am sure you have noticed by know the way I study. I have  been looking for the most absolute basic Truth. every time I put my eyes to a book, I study with the goal of "increasing in Light" because If I can light up a room, just by walking in, then people will HAVE to believe what I say! And when I say "the gospel makes me happy!" they will believe me because they see how happy I am!
  As I have increased in Light, I can almost see it! I feel less heavy. and the very very first thing I notice when I wake up is the Holy Ghost. it's the best good morning ever!
  what have a I learned you ask? I learned: Covenants are actually a SUB-CATAGORY! I thought covenants were the most important thing, but it actually gets even simpler! covenants are a part of "celestial law"
  what we want to achieve in this life is being worthy to return to Father, and If we want to dwell in His presence, then we need to abide Celestial Burnings, and the way to do that is be purified. if we want to be pure, we have to live celestial Law. so one law is covenants, another law is obedience. the FIRST law is obedience actually! another law is charity. another law is faith. another law is hope. there are lots of laws.
• 
  
• in addition to the Doctrines and Covenants, I have been reading the institute manual for Doctrines of the Gospel because my goal is to study super simple doctrines. here are a couple of quotes to support what I have said :D
  
  •
  
  “When Zion descends from above, Zion will also ascend from beneath, and be prepared to associate with those from above. The people will be so perfected and purified, ennobled, exalted, and dignified in their feelings and so truly humble and most worthy, virtuous and intelligent that they will be fit, when caught up, to associate with that Zion that shall come down from God out of heaven” (John Taylor, in Journal of Discourses, 10:147).
  
  •
  
  “Jesus will never receive the Zion of God unless its people are united according to celestial law, for all who go into the presence of God have to go there by this law. Enoch had to practice this law, and we shall have to do the same if we are ever accepted of God as he was. It has been promised that the New Jerusalem will be built up in our day and generation, and it will have to be done by the United Order of Zion and according to celestial law” (Wilford Woodruff, in Journal of Discourses, 17:250).
  
  •
  
  “The people of the city of Enoch, because of their integrity and faithfulness, were as pilgrims and strangers on the earth. This is due to the fact that they were living the celestial law in a telestial world, and all were of one mind, perfectly obedient to all commandments of the Lord. When Christ comes, these people will be returned to the earth again, for this is their eternal abode” (Joseph Fielding Smith,Church History and Modern Revelation, 1:195).
  
  •
• 
  “But there is another most significant use of the term by which the Church of God is called Zion, comprising, according to the Lord’s own definition, ‘the pure in heart.’ (D&C 97:21.)” (Harold B. Lee, in Conference Report, Oct. 1968, 61–62).
  
• but this is my absolute favorite quote:
• •
"the future is bright, and Latter-day Saints have every reason to be optimistic.... It might be well to remind ourselves that Enoch and his people established Zion in their day, also a time of great wickedness. We will do the same." (Doctirnes of the Gospel: student manual)

This is my favorite, because even if every other missionary in the whole world is not living worthy to have that name tag, I can still be more like Christ, and by extension, my Father in Heaven.

well, that is all! have a wonderful week! -Elder Cook

8-3-2015

 So this week, we got absolutely NOTHING done! My companion got sick, and as such, we were stuck in side for a very very long time.

     I began thinking, (#pondering) "why doesn't the Lord every transfer, put me with really really diligent missionaries so we can have a miracle effect on our area?" I was not so much complaining, as much as wondering why I can't help the people more.

      Then I came to this thought "Your calling is NOT just for your investigators."and  "If I honestly believe that everyone will have the same chance to receive the gospel, then my mission doesn't seem nearly as drastic. I have many lessons to learn myself, and there are many things I can help my companion, and district learn." 

     I was feeling a little down, until I started studying in section 84 of D&C and it really made me happy, because it helped me find out why I was down, and change :D

here are my favorite verses:

106 And if any man among you be strong in the Spirit, let him take with him him that is weak, that he may be edified in all meekness, that he may become strong also.

 and also:

 45 For the word of the Lord is truth, and whatsoever is truth is light, and whatsoever is light is Spirit, even the Spirit of Jesus Christ.

 46 And the Spirit giveth light to every man that cometh into the world; and the Spirit enlighteneth every man through the world, that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit.