Mom's Final Report Septemeber 2010

I know that Ryan (Elder Miller) should have had the last word on his blog, but alas, he is off to the next step in his life -- attending BYU-Idaho with his brother, Reece -- after a very whirlwind month between Mission and School. He did get to spend a week in Visalia, California, where his journey began. He spoke in his home ward, and the single's ward of the stake and even taught seminary one morning, got to see a few friends, including one of his best friends who had recently returned from his own mission to New Jersey. We also made a sad trip to Illinois from Ryan's Great-grandfather's funeral. How pleased Grandpa would have been to hear Reece and Ryan play Amazing Grace on the piano and sax for him.

I thought it might be appropriate to include my "Farewell" letter to the Florida Missionary Moms group I belonged to during Ryan's mission. It tells a bit about picking Ryan up -- from my perspective. Here is is:



I thought I’d write and let you know that another of MM’s Elders has safely returned. But what a bittersweet thing to see him pulled away from something that he loves so much. We spent an hour at the mission home visiting with the Elders (and one sweet Sister missionary) returning with Elder Miller’s MTC group! Amazing to see these young men we recognized from pictures, and how their countenances had changed in the course of their service. We met President and Sister Hall and Orlando Moms, you should know what a sweet, nurturing mission mom your children have, and President Hall is doing a wonderful job at leading, teaching and guiding them to their full potential.



The mission home was a busy beehive of active elders. Coming up or downstairs to or from breakfast, but many told us that they were too nervous/excited to eat anything! They were writing in each other’s journals, trading ties and addresses. We were even treated to a duet from our missionary and another Elder and several other missionaries stopped what they were doing to listen. I had thought that they all would have left early, early in the a.m., but the AP’s were there, telling them that they’d be leaving for the airport in an hour (about 10 a.m.)



After an hour or so, after seeing how happy Elder Miller is and how confident and mature he had grown I could have almost been happy to let him stay another two years. Almost. It was hard to pull him away from something he loves so much when it is such a wonderful thing.



I noticed one thing I think many of you will appreciate: as the mother of teenagers, and a YW’s president I sometimes think that texting/talking on the cell phone (at least in certain situations) is the bane of my existence. Anyway, I noticed one Elder politely walk away from the gathered groups to the entryway of the house (not too far from his companions!) and talk on his cell phone. I overheard him say something about leaving soon, and I wondered if he were calling his parents to let them know. But then I heard him ask to speak to Elder so-and-so. Then he said, "I just wanted to give you one last piece of parting advice . . ." Wow. I was moved to tears -- for the hundredth time that morning!



And in case you were wondering, in the end I was the one who got the first hug. My other guys held back and told me to go ahead as we walked in the door. Elder Osbourne (whose parents had arrived shortly before us) was taking pictures as we all took turns tearfully embracing our Elder.



As for the special family moments . . . Our Elder’s younger brothers spent more than an hour writing, "Welcome Home. We love you Ryan," on and decorating our driveway with sidewalk chalk the night before was sweet. Luckily we took a picture of it to show him, because the rain that night washed it away! And the look on Elder Miller’s face (our eldest of three boys) when he saw that his 13-year-old little brother was nearly as tall as he is -- was priceless. Having him kindly and sweetly greet everyone we met on the street the past two days was a little glimpse into the missionary he has become. Today he gave a pass along card to an alarm salesman who came to our door! And watching him wander around and get to know our new home (remember we moved from California to Florida about half way into his mission).



We are now half-way through the Rubbermaid tote of mementos he brought home. Hearing about all his experiences, trials and joys has been amazing. I have especially loved reading what his companions, converts and ward members wrote to him in a special journal he kept for that purpose.



The toughest moment for all of us was to watch our Elder’s sorrow and anguish when our Stake president had him remove his name tags. That was one of those moments I wanted to shout, "No, wait! You can go back!"



It is absolutely wonderful to have my Ryan home, but he really isn’t my same boy . . . he’s better. I’m excited for you all – you have these experiences to look forward to!

Okay, and now I'll let the pictures do the rest.
Thanks for following Elder Ryan's journey of faith.

Re: The End of an Era August 2, 2010

Dear Dad, Mom, Reece, and Remi!

Wow. The last e-mail. It feels unreal as I am typing it now. I never knew that time could pass by so quickly. I suppose it's all relative but I have enjoyed my mission so much. It has been such a blessing to me in my life and I thank the Lord everyday for allowing me to serve Him full-time for the past two years.

Thank you for each of your comments in the e-mail. It really means a lot to me and brought tears to my eyes to hear those words from my family. Dad, I totally understand if you said everything you could say in your e-mail. [Roni was teasing Scott about not writing a last snail-mail letter.] There is a lot to talk about with you for after the mission and I look forward to that. I definitely know that you love me. I love you, too. Thank you for sharing with me what Sister Bryant said. I really appreciate hearing that. I love the Bryant family and all the other families that I have been close to on my mission. Especially those who I was able to help prepare for baptism!

Please let the Bryant family know that I definitely want them to be there. The invitation list that I sent to you was not nearly as comprehensive as I would have liked it to be. There are just so many amazing families that I have met I couldn't fit it all on the two pages I sent you. If there is any way possible please let everyone in the wards I have served in know that I would love them to be there on the 13th and/or the 15th.[We sent an invite to each ward for the bulletin board/announcements.]

Reece, thank you for what you shared with me in the e-mail. I was very touched. I thought about our bawling together in the MTC and I am definitely VERY excited to see you as well. Although I have changed a lot, it is for the best. Plus, the changes that have taken place in me will not hinder my ability to have fun and love life. Although it will take me a bit of adjusting to get used to life off the mission I am sure that we will really enjoy our time together! Love you, too, bro. See you soon!

Remi, we get to be roomies soon! I am going to give you a big hug when I see you again as well! Thank you for all of your letters and encouragement while I have been serving a mission. You are a great brother. I love you!

Mom, I don't blame you for crying. [While typing our last e-mail and definitely while reading this!] Although Reece will still tease you on occasion for it the end of a mission is definitely a time for tears. :) Tears of joy from the labor and service given, tears of sadness for having to leave such an amazing part of life, and tears from seeing family again for the first time in years. All very appropriate. So bring Kleenex with you on next Wednesday morning! I love you and look forward to having our whole family together again!

President Hall sent an inspirational email this week that talked about the way he felt about the departing missionaries:

Sisters and Elders;
We will be concluding our visits to the apartments this week, as we travel to Stuart and Cocoa. It has been a grueling experience but we have learned so much. The most important thing we have learned is how wonderful our missionaries are. We have been so impressed with your devotion, obedience, and hard work. We have been reminded that missionary work is not easy. Be reminded that God is in this work and knows what you are going through and how to sustain you. He will not forget you, don’t forget him.

Secondly, this will be our second transfer, but the first with missionaries departing. We can’t describe the feeling of loss we feel when we think of those that will be returning home. As we think of them we see such powerful missionaries and disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. Join us in praying for their last ten days, that they will have the most powerful experiences of their mission and may feel the love of the Savior, and all of us in the mission. We love, admire, and respect them for who they have become.

With Love,
President & Sister Hall

This meant a lot to me. I can tell he definitely has that mantle upon him as the new mission president. Here is my reply to his email:

President Hall,

Thank you for your comments on the departing missionaries. I have felt those prayers on my behalf and I have been doing everything within my power to be obedient, hard working, and diligent this last week of my mission- and it feels great! Our Elders Quorum President made a comment in our ward's Priesthood class this weekend that really made me feel good. He said that he has seen a lot of missionaries towards the end of their missions fizzle out but from what he has seen in me he can tell that I am finishing strong. I owe that blessing to the Lord for His divine guidance and help this last transfer and throughout my mission. I love the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that it is my duty as a disciple of Jesus Christ to share the gospel with His children and I have found great joy in doing so (D&C 18:15-16).

This week the Lord has opened the windows of heaven and poured us out many blessings, especially with many teaching appointments and a new individual to help prepare towards baptism. His name is Steven and he is a member referral from his friend in the Hunter's Creek ward. He has been searching for answers and because he has a great fellowshipper he has already read through 1st Nephi on his own. He has one copy of the Book of Mormon in his work truck so he can read during his down time and one at his home. This man has been prepared! We taught him the Restoration this past week and extended the Lord's invitation for baptism. He accepted and I am looking forward to helping him prepare towards baptism in the month of August. I might even be able to come back for his baptism since my parents just live in Lakeland, FL! My companion and I set a weekly goal to make this the best week of our missionary work yet! I know the Lord will help us accomplish this goal. I look forward to your interviews this week as well as my departing interview with you next Tuesday. I also look forward to introducing you to my family if you are available when they pick me up on Wednesday morning. Thank you for your service and dedication to the Lord's work. You have inspired me and you and your wife will continue to be a blessing to the Florida Orlando mission.

Love,

Elder Miller

As you can tell from that I had an awesome week this past week and Elder Thomas and I are going to have an even more amazing week this week!

Just a couple of things to mention for the upcoming week: will you see if you can borrow a bike rack from a member or someone so we can still take my bike when you pick me up? That is unless you would like me to bike home. :) My suitcases and stuff should fit no problem in the back. And I am not sure what time you should be there on Wednesday morning but I am sure if you called the mission office they would let you know what would be best. I hope you get to meet President Hall and Sister Hall as well but I am not sure if they have to head out to the airport or not. Maybe you have already talked to the office about that but I am sure it will work out. I am so glad that Justin will be there when I go to Cali! Thank you for setting all of that stuff up for me. :)

I love each of you a lot and I look forward to family hugs, "dog piles," and much more when I'm with you next week. I look forward to seeing you bright and early at the mission home on Wednesday morning! I can't promise that I will have had any sleep the night before, but even if not my excitement and joy from being reunited with family will overcome any drowsiness. You have each been a great support to me on my mission and I really appreciate that. Thank you for all you do to help me. See you Wednesday!

Love,

Your missionary son and brother,

ELDER MILLER
Florida Orlando Mission
Augutst 2008- August 2010

Only One More E-Mail Left! July 26, 2010

Dear Family,

Everything is becoming a blur for me. I was just thinking of the first time I emailed you from the MTC from the laundry room computers. That seems like just yesterday and yet it was two years ago! Sounds like you are all keeping busy! Thank you for everything you are doing for me in preparation for my return. I couldn't do it without your help and the Lord's help! I wanted to especially thank you for your prayers on John's behalf. I have a very faithful family and I thank Heavenly Father every day for blessing me with all of you!

John's baptismal service went really well this weekend! Hannah (9) and Pito from the Stuart south area (the zone leader's area) were baptized at the same service as well. (See photos. left to right: Pito, Elders Merrill and Hager (our zone leaders), Hannah, John, Elder Thomas, Elder Miller.) Nothing brings me more happiness than helping my brothers and sisters accept Christ's atonement and the fullness of the gospel through baptism into His church! There were a lot of ward members there to support those being baptized and the talks were done very well. John asked that Elder Thomas baptize him and I confirm him. This was Elder Thomas' first time ever baptizing someone and he did a great job! Especially considering the font plug was leaking and he had to baptize John in water only knee deep! Yet he did it first try! We have a goal to have two more baptisms within the next two weeks and we are working towards that with the Lord's help. Two of the people we have in mind for that are John's daughter Summer and her friend Brittany who have both come to church twice already. Whether it is them Heavenly Father helps us to baptize within the next two weeks or someone else, we are going to work our tails off to help two more of his children be prepared and baptized before my time is through. Please continue to pray for us and those we teach so that we can reach this goal the Lord has helped us set!

This week was a success for Elder Thomas and I even though I was gone for a special leadership training four days out of the week. On Monday night I left to Orlando with the Assistants in their van and on the way up we picked up 5 other missionaries. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday we would arrive at the Weatherbee chapel in Orlando at about 10:00 am for that day's training given by each missionary from the mission leadership. At around 5:00 pm each day we headed out to areas nearby to go on exchanges with the other missionaries in the area to strengthen them and apply the training we had just received. Tuesday night I got to go to Kissimmee! I had dinner with the Moore family and got to see the Nganga family as well (both families that I knew from serving there over a year ago!) I feel that the Leadership training was a success and I have already seen fruits of it in sharing what I learned with my companion. It was basically like an infield mini MTC experience!

Elder Thomas is a great companion and he is striving to be obedient to the mission rules. He has a sincere desire to do the work and he and I have experienced a lot of success together. Although, due to my limited time left, I will only be able to train him for this transfer, I know he will do a great job with his next companion as well. Recently, we read over the training requirements together so that we could remind ourselves of everything that we need to accomplish together. As we did I felt really good that everything we read over we were doing our best on and I know the Lord is helping us to accomplish these things.

There is one experience that I wanted to share with you this week because it was Elder Thomas' first one like it: Yesterday we went on a member exchange in the afternoon to visit a lady who had ordered a free copy of the Bible from mormon.org. The minute we sat down I could tell that this was going to be a crazy experience. She is really nice and even came to church for part of sacrament meeting yesterday, but she definitely has some different views on feeling the Holy Ghost, seeing visions, and speaking in tongues! She is a middle-aged, African-American woman who is a former body builder and is very animated in her communication. She talked for about half the time about how ever since she was three she would have dreams and visions of when people were going to die or when something bad was going to happen and that it would happen even to the very day she had predicted it. She claims to have received the Holy Ghost and she said that when she does that she falls down and runs around shouting among other things. Although she may have felt the Spirit at times she most certainly has not yet received the gift of the Holy Ghost through laying on of hands by those who are in authority and the Holy Ghost is definitely not the one who throws her to the ground or causes her to run around screaming! As Elder Thomas pointed out, luckily she did not try any of this during our sacrament meeting. Thank goodness! Ironically, she did have a lot of beliefs that were in line with the restored gospel such as the importance of prophets, authority from God, the need for chastity, and the Lord's law of health. She informed us that we could come back to share more of our message with her after she finishes her next seven-day fast this week!? I definitely know that if she takes the opportunity to read from the Book of Mormon, pray about it, and receive an answer from God of it's truthfulness that the restored gospel can strengthen her faith in Jesus Christ and help correct all of her incorrect beliefs from her former religions.

Thank you for your support and love, it really means a lot to me. I pray that you have another great week and that you will have the Lord's help in accomplishing all that you need to get done. I love you a lot! Be safe and have a great week!

Love,

Elder Miller

P.S.-

Dad, in answer to your question I feel it would be good for Grandma and Rodney to come for the time you mentioned before my homecoming party but I am happy with either way. It will just be great to see family again!

Mom, I do remember that book you used to read me- I think it was called "There's always room for one more right? Thanks for sending out the invites. I think it would be great if some how you could send one to each ward as well (the Minneola, Kissimmee, Daytona Beach, Viera, and Stuart North wards).

Reece, that's cool that we'll be taking the same English class! I don't know how I feel about the whole online thing but it's worth looking into. I'm just very accustomed to have a professor or teacher at the from of a class room giving the lessons. I hope you are able to sign up for some more classes, too!

Remi, I am glad that you are my brother as well! Thanks for being willing to share a room with me when I get back. I hope you have a lot of fun at your friend's birthday party!

Only two more after this?! July 19, 2010

Hello Family!

Well, today I am just getting around to my email because I was attempting to register for classes. So far I have four classes but I need at least a couple more. Reece, how is your first experience going registering for classes? I find it difficult as a missionary because I haven't used computers this much for two years and I am having to relearn how to navigate the BYU-I site. It sounds like all of you had a good week. I am glad Remi's Scout Camp went well and it sounds like Reece and Dad had fun with the merit badges they helped out with. Mom, Dad, and Reece, I hope work is going well for all of you. Mom, just so you know the letter and list of names should be arriving today or tomorrow at the latest (I put it in the mail Saturday morning). Thank you for answering all of my questions! You're a big help!

I can't believe that after today I only have two more emails that I get to send. Then we will see each other again! It's crazy how time flies, isn't it?

My week was great as usual but the experiences that I had this week really strengthened my testimony of Christ's Atonement - both as applied in my personal life and in the lives those we are teaching. I am grateful for the help the Lord has given me and I know that He lives and loves us very much; more than we can fully comprehend.

We have recently been helping Karolyn and Jonathan prepare to go to the temple for the first time to do baptisms. I am so excited for them! Karolyn has even been trying to get some info from her family on grandparents so she and Jonathan can do the work for them. Her mother was curious to know why she needed the info. and Karolyn explained to her about the temple and baptisms the best she could. When we were over at their home last night her mom called and we helped Karolyn explain to her mother the doctrine behind baptism for the dead from the scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:29, 1 Peter 4, etc). Obviously that's not normally the first thing you teach someone who is not a member of the church, but we also invited her mom to have the missionaries there in Puerto Rico come over to her home to answer her questions and share with her the missionary lessons. I really hope that she takes the opportunity to do so because I know they can help her understand, especially when she feels the spirit!

We are helping John make his final preparations for baptism. He will make a great member of the Church! I will let you know how his baptismal service goes Saturday in my email next week. Please keep John in your prayers so that he can have extra special help as he makes the final preparations for baptism. Thanks for your help. :)

We watched the Reflections of Christ DVD with a part member family this week and it was very moving. If you haven't seen it yet definitely take the opportunity to because it helps one to imagine what the different parts of Christ's earthly life would have been like. We bore testimony to the family and encouraged them the come to Church. They came this Sunday! We look forward to teaching them more in the future.

We recently started a rotating FHE group which so far has been a great success. The Lord blessed us with being able to get this going every Monday as a support and fellowship opportunity for recent converts, less actives, and investigators. It is hosted in a different active members home each week and rotates between 3 or 4 families. This way those who attend get to know many different ward members and they get to learn how Family Home evening could be done in their own homes. Tonight FHE is at the P's again but I will only be able to stay for half an hour because I am getting picked up by Elder Steinman and the other assistant to the president to go to a special 3-day training in Orlando for the mission leaders (zone leaders, district leaders, and trainers). I hope it goes well and that with the little time that I have left hopefully I will be able to apply the training and better the mission because of it.

Elder Thomas is doing great and he says hello as well. He and I are really working hard together and enjoying the time that we have to serve the Lord. Training has gone really well and I can feel the Lord guiding us through the Spirit throughout each day.

I pray that each of you have another great week and that you are enjoying your second summer here in Florida. I love you all very much and will continue to work hard to the finish. Happy Pioneer Day!

Love,

Elder Miller

Hello from PSL! July 12, 2010

Hello Everyone!

Dad, thank you for sharing those flashbacks with me. I laughed at the "hitchhiking lessons." Zone conference went well. I really enjoyed the special musical number I put together for the end. It was an arrangement of Hymn # 335, "Brightly Beams Our Father's Mercy," and four other Elders and I sang. The reason I chose this hymn was because of its great missionary analogy and the sentiment that it had for me since my MTC district and I sang it for our final sacrament meeting before coming here to Florida. I had a difficult last zone conference at the end. It has been hard for me to accept all of these "lasts" but I know it needs to come eventually. I didn't say half the things I wanted to in my testimony (mainly because of time) but I did testify of some important aspects of my mission - using the Atonement personally and helping investigators to use it in their lives, working hard, sacrifice, the joy of helping others experience conversion, etc. I hope the Spirit was able to touch the hearts of the other missionaries at the zone conference as I bore my testimony so they can know the importance of what I said. Elder Thomas says thank you for your comment. I hope work is going well for you! I look forward to seeing you again soon! Love you!

Reece, I wish you the best in teaching Remi's art class. [At Scout Camp] I'm sure you will do a great job! I look forward to seeing in person that big painting you did for the house. Of course, I also look forward to simply seeing our house! I hope work is going steady for you and that you are able to find enjoyment in it as well as have success. I look forward to going to college with you as well. I feel like a freshman, it's been so long. Wait, I am still a freshman! :) [One credit hour shy of sophomore status!] As you prepare for college please take my advice and also prepare for serving a mission. Things like reading from Preach My Gospel, preparing your self spiritually, and going on exchanges with the Elders will help a lot and on your mission you will be grateful for having done those things! Have a great week. I love you Bro.

Remi, I hope you have an awesome week at scout camp! I will be praying for your safety and that you may have a great experience. I hope you are having a fun summer! I love you a lot and look forward to seeing you soon! l love you, Remi!

Mom, I hope everything is going well for you at work and with your calling as young women's president. I will keep Remi in my prayers this week. I really appreciate your help with everything recently. I couldn't do it with out you! I am looking forward to seeing you and all the family. You're right though- it is sad so see these amazing two years come to an end. I will send my list of names ASAP. Sorry it has taken me so long to get around to it. I have been very busy with the work and with training- which is very good! l love you and wish you a great week!

My week was busy and successful! We are very excited to be working with John towards baptism. He is coming right along even in the midst of his trials. He came with us this week to a baptism for a lady named Ria on Saturday and he even brought his daughter Summer and her friend to church with him on Sunday. Plus, they stayed for all three hours this week! The Lord has been blessing this area of His vineyard (the Stuart zone) with many baptisms and we are striving for 23 baptisms this month.

I am sending a funny picture to you of my new dentist, "DR. THOMAS", [Elder Thomas!]and I at Brother R's office when he cleaned my teeth for free. The Picture was Brother R's idea. (Don't worry: no enamel was harmed in the making of this photo.)

Marc and Liz are doing well. Liz expressed to us her desire to change her life and be baptized. It was really good to hear that from her and I hope her son has that same desire as well. We have a lot to work on with them but they are willing to work with us and more importantly the Savior as they repent and prepare for baptism.

I will let you know as we find more people to teach. Please pray for us that we may find more of God's children who are prepared for accepting His message at this time.

Elder Thomas is doing great and he says "hi!" He is a good example to me and is a hard worker. He continues to learn quickly and I can see his progress each day.

I love you all and will continue praying for your health, success, and missionary experiences. I appreciate your prayers in my behalf. Have a great week!

Love,

Elder Miller

Happy Independence Day! July 4, 2010

Hello Dad, Mom, Reece, and Remi!

Thank you for your email! I was really surprised to read about going to California because I had no idea! [Elder Miller gets to speak in his "home" ward in Visalia on August 22!] Hopefully I will still get to spend some time with you before we have to leave for school. [Uh, YES!!!]

This week was very eventful for my new trainee, Elder Bailey Thomas, and I. He is from Montpelier, Idaho and is excited and ready to do the work! (see photo) He has four older brothers who all served missions so he is also prepared! With his second door that we knocked on we were blessed to set two baptismal dates with for July! - Yes, Dad, he is definitely on fire! Their names are Elizabeth and Marc. Saturday we set another date with John for the 24th and he is very committed to this step of baptism in his life. John is the one who I told you is going through a difficult trial in his life, but he wants to be baptized and continue becoming a better person regardless of what happens. Three dates for July and counting!

Elder Engemann is doing well in his second area. We had a great time serving together! Here is a photo of our dinner at Benihanas (one of those Japenese cooked in front of you places) with Karolyn and Jonathan the night before he left (see photo).

In other news this week I have had some trials but they have all been met with comfort and help from the Lord, "to make weak things become strong unto [me]." Let me give you some examples:

>On Saturday I got my first flat tire ever on my mission while biking in the rain to our appointment with John. But the blessing of this was that we called John and he gave us a ride the rest of the evening and we didn't have to bike the rest of the night in the rain. Even more of a blessing was being able to teach him from Alma 7 about how the atonement could specifically apply in his life through baptism and then set his baptismal date of July 24th. I will get to see his baptism!

>On Friday while simply doing the normal push ups and pull-ups that I do I pulled a muscle in my neck which has been very painful. But the Lord still blessed me to be able to keep my commitment to the B. family by helping them move on Saturday. My neck didn't really hurt the whole time we were helping them!

>On Friday night I got pulled over for the first time in my life. It was dark and raining and I had gone straight from a poorly marked right turn lane. The police officer simply said to be careful because he knows we don't want to get into any accidents. It was a blessing that he was kind!

>Before President Darrington had left I got permission from him to call BYU-Idaho and ask them questions I had about class sign ups and scholarships. I was told that I no longer had my original scholarships (they were only two semester scholarships), but that I had been blessed with the Nielsen trust fund, qualified for Pell grant funds, and received a private grant as well. What blessings!

I know the Lord loves and blesses us and helps us through our trials when we serve him.

Our new mission President is really cool. I miss President and Sister Darrinton, but I know that the Halls will do an amazing job as well. President Hall is a former football coach, sports and athletic director for BYU-I, as well as recently the Vice President of BYU-I. This leadership experience will really help him to "rally up the team!"

I can't believe that tomorrow is my last zone conference!? When did that happen? I will be giving my departing testimony tomorrow then. I feel that life is about to happen for me very fast over the next many months. Rather than trying to put on the brakes I will just move forward in faith!

I love you all and I am sure that the success we are experiencing right now has a lot to do with your faith and prayers on our behalf. Thank you for always supporting me. You're the best family an Elder could ever have!

Love,

Elder Miller

Lots of News! June 28, 2010

Dear Family,

Sounds like you had an awesome, successful, busy week! Me, too! I have a lot to tell you. I'll save my biggest news for the end...

I am feeling much better now. I was sick with a cold/flu thing Monday through Thursday. But on Friday we were back out on the bikes in the sun and it felt great! And being sick finally gave me time to install my bike odometer that you gave me for Christmas. It took me a while, huh?! But it's a lot of fun to see how far we went on Saturday, how fast, etc. We traveled 10 miles on Saturday (our appointments were not as far as they usually are) and I reached a max speed on flat ground of 33.2 miles per hour. Not to bad for just getting over a cold!

One of the Brothers that I am close to in the ward here - Brother H., frequently stays with his wife in their cabin at a camp grounds very close to Lakeland. He has offered, if you would like, to come visit them while they are there. His wife is a professional artist and after I told them about Reece enjoying art they offered for her to give you a free painting lesson if you want to come up and visit them. Reece and anyone else as well, if you are interested in meeting with the H's, please call them! It's a great opportunity so if you can go give him a call. :)

Sunday was a great Sabbath day; they always are but there were just a lot of really good things that happened for me! We had our friend John at church whom I told you about last week and we are meeting with him again on Wednesday or Thursday. Our friend Can (short for Candido I found out) was at Church for the first two hours again and even brought his friend, Sarah, along! The talks were very uplifting for me, but even more so for John. The Spirit helped me realize how pertinent they were for him with his situation. I know the Lord reaches out to His children in need through the help of others, especially through testimony! My favorite part about Sacrament, though, was getting to see Jonathan pass the Sacrament for the first time! It brought me so much joy to see him up there with the other priesthood holders bringing the tray around and fulfilling his Priesthood duties. I realized as I pondered on it, that he had just received a remission of his sins and was now showing gratitude by helping others to receive their forgiveness through taking the sacrament. That's the beautiful thing about the gospel- those who have been served turn around and serve others!

Sunday we also had a dinner appointment and lesson with a non-member family (Bill and Lois) who live directly behind the S. family in our ward. They are very close with the S's (they even have a gate that lets them into their back yard!) and we had a great dinner together. We ate grilled chicken, bratwursts, and lots of delicious side dishes. Then we had a lesson on prayer and answered their questions about the church. We are meeting with them again on the Fourth of July. They are an awesome family and I look forward to seeing them progress in the gospel!

I am so glad that you were able to meet President and Sister Darrington and I am glad that your visit went well! I was actually able to hear about your visit from him as I spoke to him on Saturday morning during transfer calls.

Elder Bennett is being transferred to the Leesburg zone in the Belleview area and Elder Fileteo is taking his place. Now the FT. Pierce area will be having a focus on Spanish work since both he and Elder Stolle are assigned as Spanish speaking missionaries. Elder Engemann is being transferred to Hunter's Creek West area (the area right by the mission office) and I will be going with him up to the mission office to pick up my new companion on Wednesday - I am training again!

I am very excited that I get to train again and I look forward to catching the "greenie fire" that my new companion brings. I will let you know next e-mail what his name is, where he's from, etc. Please pray for me that I may have the Lord's guidance to do my best in helping this young missionary develop Christlike attributes and help others to be baptized into the Lord's Church.

I look forward to a great last two days with Elder Engemann. He has been a great companion and I will miss him. But I look forward to training a new Elder my last transfer and I know we will have a hard working, sweaty, awesome, successful six weeks together!

Mom, I hope you have a great time at young women's camp and I pray that the rain will hold off! [It did -- it only rained once when the forecast said t-storms every day!!!] I will send a list in the mail of the families' names and addresses that you wanted. Dad, Karolyn does not have home teachers yet, but she does have a visiting teacher. I hope she gets home teachers soon! I wish you the best in your work and in this upcoming week!

Reece, it sounds like your server job is a lot harder that your last responsibilities there but I know you are doing a great job and I feel you will continue to get better and more comfortable with it. I will keep you in my prayers. :) Remi, I am glad you and the family had a lot of fun at the beach and I hope you continue to enjoy your summer!

I love you all. Have a blessed week!

Love,

Elder Miller

Howdy from the Far East (of Florida)! June 21, 2010

Dear Mom, Dad, Remi, and Reece,

I am so glad to hear that you are all safe and well. Reece, you gave me a little scare with your story but I am so glad that you and everyone else is safe and that there was no serious damage. [Reece (and Remi) hydroplaned while trying to avoid someone who turned suddenly with no signal and ran across a ditch.]

These thunderstorms can be pretty intense! The Lord has blessed me lately to be out of the rain and lightning when we are out on our bikes. He is definitely watching over us! Sometimes during a storm it seems that He clears a path for us in the sky directly above our heads so that we can tract the area we are in. Just one of His many miracles that I witness on a daily basis.

Remi, I will definitely write you back, bud. I'm sorry I haven't written more. Sometimes with our busy schedules (even on P-day) it's hard to make the time to write letters. But today I am sick with a cold so I will have some more time to write letters. I will just have to sterilize the letter and envelope to keep from sending germs your way! I will tell Elder E. that you said "hi!"

Dad, I am really happy that you enjoyed my Father's Day card for you and I appreciate your compliment on my expression of feelings to people. That really means a lot because that is something very important to me, so thank you! I do look forward to talking with you and hearing the things you will share with me as my father about my next steps in life. Mom, it was really nice to hear about Grandpa! I had written a note in my planner to ask you how he was doing so I was very happy to hear the good news. :) How are our other extended family members doing? Thank you for the school info. I talked with President Darrington and he gave me permission to go on BYU-I's website to get class sign up info today. I will also get permission to call a counselor there and ask advice on classes to take, etc. Thank you for your help! I love you all!

This week I had to say goodbye to President and Sister Darrington. That was really hard because they have been so kind and have taught me so much. I told them that I hoped to get together with them the next time they come to Idaho Falls (30minutes from Rexburg) when they go there to visit family. There are a lot of missionaries from this mission going there so that will probably turn into a mission reunion! Here is President Darrington's last email "charge" and my reply to his president's letter to me this week, my last :(

CHARGE
[This is an entry from my personal journal dated February 25, 2007.]
“Yesterday, shortly after noon, our assignment letter arrived FEDEX. [Sister Darrington was in Utah assisting our daughter with a medical situation.] I put a notice on the family website that the assignment letter had arrived, so everyone is quite eager with anticipation.
“Last evening, I went to the temple. It was nice to reflect on matters of eternal significance and to anticipate where we may be assigned. In the Celestial Room, I said a prayer that I would be acceptable wherever we may be assigned. It seems at times like this Satan conjures up feelings of unworthiness and being inadequate that if dwelt upon could circumscribe our effectiveness to perform the work.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity I had at the age of nineteen to serve a mission to the North Central States. It was a high watermark in my life and has been since. I had two mission presidents who were influential in shaping and molding my character and capabilities to do missionary work and to be a productive member of society. I was raised by extremely humble and faithful parents. They guided me and taught me truth. Susan continues to be my mainstay and a tremendous influence in my life. I love her and I’m looking forward to serving the next three years with her.
“When we opened the assignment letter last Sunday evening, Susan could hardly read the first line before she started to cry. Later, when she gained her composure she felt like she had won the Church mission sweepstakes! We are excited about the opportunity which is ahead of us.”

With Great Love, President Darrington
“One Lord, One Faith, 100 Baptisms!”


Dear President Darrington:

I greatly appreciate the service that you and Sister Darrington have rendered to the Florida Orlando mission. I will always consider both of you a part of my family. You have been like a father to me during these past two years of my life and I have learned so much from you on leadership responsibility, serving others, and what it means to have Christlike love. Thank you for the enthusiasm and zeal you have for the work. I will continue to, "Fight the Adversary!" [arm thrust and all] as a full time missionary until my mission is through. After which I will apply the important advice you have shared with the mission contained in your document, "Legacy." You and Sister Darrington have fought the good fight and I know the Lord will be able to say of your service here, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant(s)." May God bless you in your next journey of life.

Love,

Elder Miller

At our last president's interviews this week Elder Bennett and I presented a cake that we had baked for President and Sister Darrington that we called "President's surprise cake. We lit 36 candles on the cake in the shape of the number 100 to represent their 36 months of service and also our mission striving to reach the goal of 100 baptisms. Not only was that a surprise but we had put our own surprise into it of candy bars crunched up in the mix. I will greatly miss them but I know they have served well and that President and Sister Hall will do a great job in this mission as well.

[Elder Miller's family was very blessed to be able to meet President and Sister Darrington before they were released. Wonderful, wonderful people. We feel so blessed to have had them be Ryan's mission "parents" for most of his mission!]

Our friend Con (Anthony) came to church yesterday. He said that he really enjoyed it. He also said that the arrangement I sang with the choir of a special Father's Day song was very beautiful. We will be meeting with him to teach him more of the lessons on Tuesday. Ryan [investigator] still hasn't made it to church yet because of his work but he and Con both came to the baptism of Alex D. by Elder Stolle and Elder Bennett on Saturday. We were there with them and it was a really great experience for all who attended. Alex is 16 and he was recently diagnosed with Leukemia. It is in recession now and I know that it has a lot to do with the prayers and blessings that have been done in his behalf.

I went on a Spanish exchange with one of our zone leaders- Elder Merrill. We had good experiences and talked to a lot of really nice Spanish people. We also drove to Okeechobee through a lightning storm to do a baptismal interview for two sisters who were baptized this weekend as well. Our zone is being blessed with a lot of success and we have been reaching double digits in baptisms for the past couple of months!

Karolyn said that you had contacted her, that's awesome! Thanks for doing that! Jonathan received the Priesthood on Sunday and it was a really special experience for him and his mom.


Well I will write some letters today for you all. I will keep them short and sweet so I can write one to each of you. Most of my experiences and info. is included in my email so I will just write you each a personal note.

I love each of you very much and I hope to hear great things next week as well. Thank you for being the best family ever!

Love,

Elder Miller

Hello from a Hot and Humid State! June 14, 2010

Hello Dad, Mom, Reece, and Remi!

Happy Early Father's Day Dad!

It's great to hear from you! It's good to hear that the fundraiser went well for the Youth. Yes, Karolyn was probably the one holding a baby (her son is almost 2 now). See if it matches her baptismal picture that I sent you via email recently. It sounds like Mom found the right one. We met with them twice this week and they came to Church so everything is going really well for them. We had a good lesson for Jonathan on the Aaronic Priesthood on Tuesday and yesterday he had his interview with Bishop Clark in preparation to be ordained to the office of a Deacon. It's really exciting to see great families like theirs progressing in Christ's church and it brings me a lot of happiness! They also took us out to Golden Corral for dinner on Saturday and we ate some great salads, steak, and dessert.

This week Alex came to church for the first time and said that she really enjoyed it. She was only able to stay for the first hour due to a family gathering in the afternoon but we look forward to having her join us in the gospel principles class next time and hopefully stay for Relief society, too. On Friday we we watched the Testaments DVD with her and two of her brothers, Adonis and Artrell, and the Spirit was really strong as we watched the movie and shared our testimonies on Baptism afterwards. We invited them with the Lord's invitation to be baptized and although they said that they did not feel ready yet they are willing to continue learning more and preparing to be ready. (the Lord's invitation for baptism is teaching the doctrine of Baptism with the Lord's words from the scriptures, testifying, promising blessings, and as representatives of Jesus Christ extending a "Will you..." invitation.)

This past week we were blessed with 12 new investigators and we contacted over 150 people. It has definitely been hot AND humid this week (most of the week in the 90's with high humidity). I am sure you have felt it over there in Lakeland as well. On our bike days I just make sure to stay really hydrated because I sweat a lot. It feels good to be working hard for the Lord and getting physical exercise while sharing the gospel; the only hard part about it is getting hundreds of bugs in my face (Reece, I'm right there with you man) and stinking really bad when I walk into peoples homes.

In December President challenged us to read the Book of Mormon while going through and marking all the passages that talk about or refer to Christ, and again recently he has challenged us to read it focusing on the principles of the gospel that are taught within its pages. Here is what President said about his experience:

"Tonight, I finished the Book of Mormon marking challenge. I started December 17, 2009 underlining in red references to Christ, any of His names or pronouns referring to Him. In addition, I marked words spoken by Him or by prophets when they say, “Thus saith the Lord.” We were challenged to finish the initial challenge within 3 months. The last three months, we have been marking in another color the doctrines and principles taught in the book. Also, writing in the margins what those doctrines and principles are.

This has been one of the most powerful study assignments I have participated in during this mission! In the North Central States, we focused on teaching the gospel from the Old and New Testament and using few references in the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon was used primarily as a tool to testify to the truthfulness of Joseph Smith’s divine mission. In the Florida Orlando Mission, we have learned to teach the gospel in the Lord’s words primarily from the Book of Mormon, then from other scripture.

I have come to understand the power of this book, the strength of its message. It has furthered my testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ. When skeptics in the Christian community minimize the biblical gospel message and cast doubt upon the authenticity of His miraculous birth, death and resurrection, a second witness is needed! The Book of Mormon stands “boldly, nobly and independent” as an enduring witness of Christ’s birth, His great redemptive sacrifice, and His marvelous resurrection. The Book of Mormon will stand the test of time and shore up the beliefs of all true Christians!

Please share with me in your remaining president’s letter the insights you have gained from reading and marking the Book of Mormon."

With Great Love, President Darrington
“One Lord, One Faith, 100 Baptisms!”

Here is what I shared with him in my reply:

Wow! It was very enlightening to read about your experience in reading and marking the Book of Mormon. To be honest I have not finished this marking assignment yet but I will continue to read and mark until I finish. It has been testimony strengthening for me to read through the Book of Mormon focusing on its powerful witness of the Savior. The special experiences I have had with it are not only personal experiences, but also involve using this assignment as an example to those we talk with to show them how it is a powerful witness of Christ and that it testifies of Christ on almost every page. I pray that more of God's children, especially those that are lost, will read the Book of Mormon and pray to know for themselves if it is true. Thank you for the opportunity to do this assignment!

I have learned a lot in reading the Book of Mormon and I encourage each of you to take the opportunity to read from it every day.

To answer more of your questions: Ryan [investigator]did not make it to church because he got called into work but at work he told them he will NOT be working next Sunday so hopefully he will be able to come. We are still on track with him on quitting smoking (right now he is cutting back little by little) and we look forward to starting the 7 day program soon. Stewart dropped us because he felt he and Wana were just wasting our time since they no longer felt like it was "the direction that they wanted to take." We did however stop by and give Wana a copy of the book of Mormon in Thai in hopes that she would take the opportunity to read it and pray about it. If she received an answer that it was true it would clear up so much of the false doctrine that she currently believes. We also gave Stewart another reading assignment and invited him to try coming to Church again soon since his first experience he mainly saw, according to him, "the business side of things" (hurricane preparedness in 3rd hour). I have faith that if they truly give this gospel a chance that they will realize it is true and want to have the blessings of it in their lives.

Elder Engemann is doing pretty well but hasn't been feeling well lately (tired and sick to his stomach). He will get better soon I'm sure. We enjoy teaching by the Spirit together and have seen a lot of success while here in Port St. Lucie.

Mom, let's definitely invite mission friends to come to my homecoming party; that will be awesome to have them share that experience with me!

Elder Henz responded to my email and said that he would not be able to go to BYU-I in the fall. Hopefully in the future, though!

Just another thought on the plane tickets: what day do we need to be at BYU-I? I know that I will have auditions for the music department on a certain day before classes start and Reece will have orientation if he wishes.

I love you all and I appreciate your love towards me. I know that our Savior, Jesus Christ loves each of God's children very much and has made it possible for us to return to live with God again. Know that you are in my prayers and I encourage you as well to pray for missionary opportunities. I know the Lord will bless you for your righteous desires.

Love,

Elder Miller

Re: Hey, Elder! June 7, 2010

Dear Family,

My birthday week went very well! Thank you for making my birthday a special day for me through your thoughtful gifts and prayers. I really appreciated and enjoyed your package and the Schwan's treats. The other Elders and I ate them in almost one sitting! But it was the perfect amount for 4 Elders. :) I really liked the slacks a lot and I hope I will be able to find the right size in that style because they were really nice! (I tried them on but they are a size too big- I still need size 30 waist and 28 length.) I need a 15 1/2 - 16 in. shirt size so I will exchange that as well. The gifts were all very nice and I will send you some pictures of my birthday. I am glad you had a fun party on my birthday! It sounds like it will be a fun welcome home party as well!

Ryan [investigator] is starting the stop smoking program with us this week. I am so excited for him! We met his girlfriend for the first time this week and she seemed nice. I hope she will be receptive to the message like Ryan has been. I hope that she will give us the time of day to share the message with her so that she can feel the Spirit and know that this is the right step for her in her life as well.

Alex and her family are golden and really kind to us. She even made me a birthday cake! (See picture) We are going to be watching the testaments DVD with them this week since we just went over 3 Nephi chapter 11 last week. It will be a fun way to review. We also have plans to set a baptismal date with their family. Please pray for us to be guided by the Spirit in doing so and for them to feel the Spirit and accept the Lord's Invitation. Stewart (60) enjoyed his first time at church yesterday. He said that it was a good visit and I hope he will come again next Sunday! We are preparing both Ryan and Stewart for the 26th of June for baptism. Thank you for your prayers and support.

Here is President's charge this week. I thought it was great for member missionary work!:

CHARGE
“If we are going to carry this message to every land, every nation, every people, every soul as our great missionary prophet-leader has directed us, there is still one part of this vital missionary force that has not been awakened. It is like a sleeping giant waiting to be aroused. When this sleeping giant is fully awakened, the day of the sickle will have come to an end, and the day of the combine will come in. The harvest will be in the millions in place of thousands, as it is today.” (Elder Rex C. Reeve, Sr., Conference Report, October 1980, 27-28)

Let us awaken that sleeping giant, the members of the Church, to this great work. Use this quote in your member missionary work.

With Great Love, President Darrington
“One Lord, One Faith, 100 Baptisms!”

I loved this quote! He's right!

You mentioned the plane tickets. Is it that time already? I guess you do have to purchase plane tickets in advance for them to be affordable. That makes sense. We will probably have to pack light (missionary style), huh? I am not sure with the limited time and the price if it would be feasible for me to visit Visalia before school starts but I would really love to visit sometime soon. If it could work out that way please let me know. Is the apartment decided on yet? Oh, and Mom, do you happen to know what day specifically I can sign up for my classes? Was it a day towards the end of June?

Congratulations, Reece, on a successful high school experience and your graduation from seminary as well (even more important in the eternal scheme of things!) It was really cool to hear that you went out with the missionaries, and that you got to teach part of the Plan of Salvation with them! That is one of the eternal truths that many families do not know about yet - and you helped someone to learn about it for the first time! Nice Job!

Dad, actually I only spent 2 1/2 weeks in the MTC so I have a little more time than that left, but you're definitely right that the time is going quickly and that it will never come again. I am glad that you had a successful finish to the school year for seminary and I am sure with how well you are doing that they will want to keep you for a while. :) Sorry I wasn't able to catch you during your lunch hour today. It was zone p-day so our schedule was a little different. Mom, I am pretty sure that is the right Karolyn you found because she mentioned that she used to have long hair. Go ahead and give her a try. I know she would love to hear from you and Dad about your conversions and testimonies. Thank you for your faith and your prayers!

Today our zone p-day was a lot of fun. We got up at 5 am to make to the beach for the sunrise. Early this morning we went to Stuart Beach and had a sunrise service with all of the missionaries in the surrounding areas. It was a lot of fun and I am sending you some pic.'s from our trip. (Do you like my shirt? ;) The other Picture at the beach is what I wrote in the sand- It's abbreviated : Elder Miller, Florida Orlando Mission, 2008 to 2010.

[Having problems with his pictures -- will post asap!]

Thank you all again for how special you made my birthday! I look forward to hearing again from you next week. By the way, Did you get my letter and the BYU-I forms that I sent last week??

I love you all and hope that you enjoy this first week of summer. Stay safe from the storms, okay? Keep being the awesome missionaries that I know you are. I will be praying for you to have missionary experiences.

Love,

Elder Miller

Thank you for the Birthday Wishes May 31, 2010

Hello Family!

Thank you for all of your kind birthday wishes! They made me smile. :) I can't believe that I will be 21 either, but come Wednesday there is nothing I can do about it. :)

This weekend I received the best birthday gift ever! Karolyn and Jonathon were baptized and confirmed and are now officially members of Christ's true church. The service went so well that it was definitely one of the best I have ever seen. Many of the ward members came to support them on their special day and lots of people participated. They were already a part of the ward on their first Sunday at Church but now it's even official. :) Karolyn asked me to baptize her and confirm Jonathan and Elder Engemann to do the opposite. It has been a while since an investigator asked me to baptize them so it was a very special experience to be in the water for this one! I really want to introduce you to their family and all of those whom I have helped on my mission to enter into the waters of baptism. There are some really elect people in Florida and I feel blessed to have worked with many of them. In the mean time since I can't introduce you face to face I talked with Karolyn on Saturday evening and she gave me her face book information so that you could meet her through facebook. She's really nice and Jonathan and her 20 month-old are great sons. I think it would be great if you could write her a email on facebook and tell her congratulations as well as give her the new member advice that you were talking about Dad.

I'll definitely have to introduce you to them in August! It brought me so much joy to see them make the step of baptism after all the lessons, commitments, and testimony building experiences that they had. The Lord has been helping them every step of the way! I now have a stronger testimony of Mighty Prayer and I know that their baptisms were an answer to our prayers of faith. The Lord is working miracles in our mission. I'll send a picture from their baptism. (see attached photo 001: Left to right- Elder Miller (my left arm was wet before the baptism because I had to wade into the font in my underwear and shirt to fix the plug since it was draining), Karolyn, Jonathan, and Elder Engemann (he's actually smiling!))

photo 002 (while tracting I noticed this seen with the light coming through both the tree and the thundercloud behind it and it reminded me of the first vision. Cool, huh?)

On Saturday we were invited over for lunch with some of our investigators- Alex and Ari. They are from St. Croy island in the Virgin Islands and they made some delicious Cruzan Curry. We began teaching them the restoration and everything was new to them because in their country they are not usually raised Christian. They are open and really nice and when Elder Engemann mentioned my birthday on Wednesday they offered to make me a cake! We are going to teach them more this week and also help them paint their house.

Our investigator, Ryan, is really solid and is looking forward to making changes in his life that will bring him closer to God. We met with him again this week and will be continuing to help him prepare towards baptism in June. Everything is going very well for us here in Port St. Lucie and I know the Lord will continue to help us prepare His children towards baptism.

Thank you so much for sending package(s) and Reece's grad announcement! I really look forward to getting those. :)

I definitely look forward to seeing you in action at Mimi's, Reece. I am so happy for you that you are succeeding with the Lord's help at your job. You have really shown commitment and dedication there. Keep up the hard work and have an awesome graduation this week! Remi, I hope you have the best end-of-the-school-year party ever! Have a fun summer, too, ok? Mom, I am glad you are enjoying working with the young women so much and I know the Lord will help you in all the responsibilities you have been given. I will pray for you, too! I printed out the two forms. [BYU-I stuff] I will fill them out today and then send them in the mail to you so you can fill out the parts I don't know.

To answer your other question: Missionaries actually go to Disney on Monday, and then the Temple on Tuesday. I would like to spend the night with the missionaries that I came out with and then be picked up at the mission home on Wednesday morning (you can choose what time on Wednesday. don't make yourself get up too early :) haha. I can imagine it's going to be hard to sleep that night. :) A returned missionary in our ward gave a talk on Sunday. He told me about a meeting that is held with the stake president to release me. Do we need to set that up at some point? Thank you for the forms and I will send those asap.

I look forward to a spiritually empowering zone conference on Tuesday. President has been a great leader in this mission and will forever be remembered by those who have served with him. I look forward to hearing what he has to say tomorrow in our final zone conference with him. This week finished off strong for us with the baptisms and confirmations of Karolyn and Jonathon. I know the Lord will answer your prayers, my prayers, and the prayers of members world wide as we pray with faith, sincerity, and real intent. Thank you for your prayers and faith (especially in the 10 baptismal commits, Mom!) and I know the Lord will help us in accomplishing His work here in Port St. Lucie. Have an awesome week and a great, fun-filled party on Wednesday! I'll be there doing gainers off the side of the pool in spirit. :)

Love,

Elder Miller

Pictures from Port St. Lucie!

Elder Miller's 21st Birthday is coming up -- June 2! Please drop him a line if you can!

Love from St. Lucie May 24, 2010

Dear Family,

I loved your stories this week! I laughed out loud when I read about Remi's comment in the pool.[Dad kissed Mom and we heard an agonized voice behind us say, "Ugh, romance . . . can't . . . watch."]

We were teaching our main family that we are working with about family home evening last night and we will be having their first one with them tonight. During our explanation of FHE I teared up explaining how much I missed and appreciated all those years of Monday night lessons, treats, and games with my family. Dad and Mom, I'm reminded of Elder Bednar's talk on consistency in the home and I feel that you have provided that for our family and it has made all the difference! Reece, congratulations on becoming a server [At Mimi's, after years of being a host.]! I hope your graduation goes well- remember that I am there with you in all five senses! I look forward to receiving your announcement in the mail.

I really appreciated President's charge this week. This quote from Elder Tad R. Callister rings true for me!

CHARGE:

Elder Tad R. Callister offered these thoughts on putting any disobedience on the altar of sacrifice. He said, “When I first entered the field as a mission president, I met several times with a missionary who was struggling with obedience. One day in frustration he blurted out: “What then is it that you want me to do?” I replied: “You have missed the point. It is not what I want you to do, it should be what do you want to do?” There was a moment of silence and then he made this insightful observation: “You are not just asking me to change my behavior; you are asking me to change my nature.” He was so right. If you only change your behavior, then you will be the same person you were when you left home, subject to the same problems that plagued you then. But if you change your nature you will go home a new man or woman, with the power and discipline to conquer your old Goliaths. If you get up at 6:30 am only because your companion does, you have merely changed your behavior. If you get up whether or not he does, you have changed your nature.” ( Elder Tad R. Callister, “Becoming a Consecrated Missionary,” MTC, October 7, 2008)

Let’s focus on changing our basic nature and realize the blessings that await us for obedience.

With Great Love, President Darrington
“One Lord, One Faith, 100 Baptisms!”

I especially feel this way since on my mission I have been able to notice those changes in nature that have taken place as I have prayed with faith knowing that the Lord would help me to become a better man. The Lord has helped me so much and Dad, I will definitely pray for His help in retaining the wisdom of these past two years.

So have you called and set up your visit with President yet? Just remember that he leaves at the end of June... President really helped me out a lot recently. He applied me for the returned missionary scholarship for this fall and it was approved! Every little bit helps especially with books and things. The Lord has blessed me so much and I am thankful to be serving Him on a full time mission at this time in my life.

On Monday, April 26, 2010, President Darrington sent out an inspired message calling for miracles and mighty prayer in this mission because that is what the Lord expects of us. We took this challenge and prayed fervently that the Lord would lead us to those who have been prepared as we were diligent in our finding efforts. Three days prior to President's call of duty we had tracted into a very nice woman named Karolyn who had said that we could come back to share our message the following Tuesday. She later explained that her original intention when she saw us at the door was to tell us that she was busy and not interested but she felt something different that changed her mind. Tuesday evening came and our dinner had arrived an hour late plus we had an unexpected long conversation with a drunk man about his life and how the gospel of Jesus Christ could really help him. Thirty minutes after our original scheduled time to meet with Karolyn she called and explained that she would need to leave in another half hour but that she didn't want us to think that she had missed our appointment. We apologized sincerely and set up another time to meet the next day. We both immediately knew that Karolyn was elect because she had called to reschedule an appointment that we had missed. Karolyn and her son Jonathon have since kept all of their appointments, come to Church all four weeks in a row for all three hours, attended our ward activity and young men's nights, read all of their assignments, and have done all that the Lord has asked them to do to prepare towards baptism. They will be baptized and confirmed into Christ's Church this weekend and I know that the Lord answered our prayer of faith and will continue to do so. Not only did He answer our prayer, but Karolyn later told us that she had been praying for someone or something to give her teenage son some righteous male guidance in his life since there is not a father in the home. The first Sunday they came to Church Karolyn immediately noticed the strong youth program in our ward and the benefit of having righteous Priesthood leadership for her son. The Lord answers prayers and He WILL lead us to those whom He has prepared!

Elder Engemann and I are really excited for the baptism of Karolyn and Jonathon this weekend. I will let you know how it goes.

Before I forget let me answer your two questions:

Where do you buy your groceries? Wal-mart? Publix? Winn Dixie?

Definitely Walmart. Although we do have Publix and Winn Dixie stores nearby Walmart is overall cheaper per item and is easier for us to use.

How many dinner appointments do you get per week, on average?

Recently we have been really blessed with a lot of member meals but it varies from week to week. This past week we had a dinner almost every night. This coming week we have two scheduled on the calendar because it didn't get passed around in relief society, but Karolyn has been giving us a lot of food and feeding us often. The lord definitely blessed us through the kindness of others. :)

Overall my week was really great. We also set another baptismal date with a guy in his 20's named Ryan! What a coincidence, huh?! We are going to help him prepare towards baptism. I am very happy to be serving a mission and I can honestly say that it has been the two best years of my life. I wish you all the best as you finish out the school year and I pray that the Lord will bless you in everything you do. Please tell Grandpa I said happy birthday, too! I will try to send him a belated birthday/father's day card soon. I love you all. Have a great week!

Love,

Elder Miller