IMPROVE THE SHINING MOMENTS

I love you all so much!!! Each and every single day, I realize just how amazing my life has been. I have experienced many things and have been a part of some incredible opportunities, but most of all, I am grateful for the people who have helped me be where I am today. There are infinite acts of kindness that have impacted me and I remember them often while serving. The mission really is a sacred time to maximize feelings of gratitude. Thank you all for supporting me in all that I do. I would not be here without any of you!

The first thing I'd like to share is something that I've never been good at, but it has helped me find much more joy as a missionary, even when things are seemingly "good enough." These verses of Improve the Shining Moments capture many of my thoughts:

Improve the shining moments;

Don't let them pass you by.

Work while the sun is radiant;

Work, for the night draws nigh.

We cannot bid the sunbeams

To lengthen out their stay,

Nor can we ask the shadow

To ever stay away.

2. Time flies on wings of lightning;

We cannot call it back.

It comes, then passes forward

Along its onward track.

And if we are not mindful,

The chance will fade away,

For life is quick in passing.

'Tis as a single day.

We are commanded in the scriptures to never procrastinate the day of our repentance, but I'd like to think that we shouldn't procrastinate the day of our ENJOYMENT either. I am definitely a victim of rarely allowing myself to truly enjoy the times of happiness that Heavenly Father blesses us with. I know that as we look towards our Savior, work our hardest, and pray for strength, we will be given times of pure joy. When those times come, ENJOY THEM!!!

We don't need to continuously focus on worrying about the future, the past, and all that we need to change in ourselves. I know that as we recognize the good things in life, we will become more humble and willing to follow the Holy Ghost in order to experience all that Heavenly Father has promised us. 

This week, while meeting with someone who was facing many trials, I realized that sometimes life seems to cloak us with seemingly endless problems and concerns, but if we are humble and listen with our hearts, we can be the angels that help others find that joy again.

There is an article in the Ensign this month called “Fireflies" and it talks about looking past the small things in life so that we can focus on what truly matters-eternal life. Those promised blessings can seem so far away right now, kind of like the small specks like stars are at night, but as we grow closer, their light and glory grows to something we can't even begin to comprehend. I know that this gospel is worth it! I know that nothing is worth sacrificing our testimony or love for our Savior and the Atonement for. (https://www.lds.org/ensign/2015/01/fireflies?lang=eng)

I love this gospel!!!

One of the coolest experiences of my mission happened this week as I was again taught by the Spirit and some amazing people, that we must have empathy and that each of us struggles with something. As I shared Enos 1:26-27 with them, we all started crying together as we felt the Spirit and our Savior's love for us:

26 And I saw that I must soon go down to my grave, having been wrought upon by the power of God that I must preach and prophesy unto this people, and declare the word according to the truth which is in Christ. And I have declared it in all my days, and have rejoiced in it above that of the world.

 27 And I soon go to the place of my rest, which is with my Redeemer; for I know that in him I shall rest. And I rejoice in the day when my mortal shall put on immortality, and shall stand before him; then shall I see his face with pleasure, and he will say unto me: Come unto me, ye blessed, there is a place prepared for you in the mansions of my Father. Amen.

As I said earlier, I know that this gospel is worth it. We are worth it. What we are called to do is worth it. Our Savior died for each one of us, so that we didn't have to experience these feelings of desperation forever. I know that life is hard, we are asked to do a lot, and it can feel endless, but I also know that our Heavenly Father has a plan for each one of us. I know that feeling of being able to stand blameless before God at the last day will be the most peaceful, joyful feeling we could ever imagine.

I am so grateful for this opportunity to serve a mission and mourn with those that mourn so that I can recognize the weaknesses in myself while also learning what Christ's Atonement truly encompasses. I love this gospel and I love my mission! I am so grateful for the miracles that happen each day, and I am grateful for the chance I have to change!

Thank you for your prayers and 
support! I love you all. Please know that I am doing my best and desire to help you all grow closer to Christ.

Love, Elder Lloyd 

LEARN OF ME

A Wedding!

What an amazing week!!!! I know I always say that, but it's true! I promise that each week has so many truly spectacular moments that make it so hard to fit everything into a small, simple email, but I will do my best! First of all, thank you for all of the Christmas cards and a couple of packages! 

The Zone Leaders came to Tawau this week and dropped off mail. To anybody who has written me in the last couple of months, thank you with all of my heart. Those small letters and thoughts mean so much, and they help me remember the love of everyone back home. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I've got to do a special shout out to John Merrill for the best Christmas card/letter ever. I was laughing on the floor as I read it. I love you all. I truly have the best family and friends in the whole world, and I can say that now that I'm all the way in Malaysia. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!

Flight to Kota Kinabalu

This week, we had the amazing opportunity to go to KK for new missionary training. When we arrived, we immediately started training with President and Sister Mains, and the APs Elder Lundquist and Wadsworth. 

We went through many scriptures, did some role-plays, and had the chance to bear our testimonies. It was incredibly powerful to be in a room with other missionaries bearing your testimony. I know that by expressing our gratitude and faith, our testimony of Christ will always be strengthened. 

One of the coolest parts of the training was simply feeling the power of the Spirit as I was in the presence of President and Sister Mains. They exude goodness, happiness, and light. By being near them, I had the desire to do right, I felt better, and I trusted them completely. As a missionary, sometimes I feel  as if I don't have the Spirit enough. We are supposed to find, teach, study, serve, plan, etc. all with the Spirit!!!! This week, I really learned what having the Spirit with you at all times means. 

Wedding c

I know that I am not perfect at all, but I know that as I do my best to desire the Spirit, and as a result learn about Christ, I will find peace and happiness. Conversion and learning about the gospel takes time and consistency!! We need faith, actions, and consistency to improve and grow.

Cooking chicken, flan, dumplings, etc at the church for the wedding

An amazing experience this week came when Elder C and I went to teach a new investigator and his family. Before we got there, we were talking about how we could have the Spirit more in our lessons. We were both kind of stumped and frustrated because we've been trying our hardest! We said a prayer, and went up to the door. 

Mr. P came out and told us he had friends over and would have to reschedule. We were heartbroken. All of a sudden, he just opened the gate and said, "Actually, come in and you can share with everyone!" I was shocked!!! This shy, busy, new investigator who hardly knows us let us into his house after he had already told us to leave. That was the first miracle. Secondly, as we started talking, we shared some personal challenges. We had planned to teach the Restoration, but we focused on how we can have faith in Christ to bear our afflictions in patience instead. Elder C and I could feel the Spirit teaching Brother P as we talked. At the end of the lesson, he prayed out loud for the first time. Just wow :)  

I can't even begin to explain how awesome this was. I learned that a desire for the Spirit is the first step. I know that as we truly desire something, ask Heavenly Father, and work for it, He will give us what we need at the right time

Jeremiah 29:13

13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

Elder Lloyd expanding his diet and cooking skills! 

I know that Heavenly Father loves us and has a plan for each of us. I know that we are all His children, and that every single person on this Earth chose to follow Heavenly Father's plan and come here. 

Thank you all for being such good examples, praying for me, and sharing so many experiences with me. This joy is what helps me through the tougher times. I know that this gospel is true, and I know that Christ is our Savior. There are many good things in the world, but this path is the only way back to our Heavenly Father. 

"Learn of me, and listen to my words, walk in the meekness of   and spirit, and you shall have peace in me." D&C 19:23

Biawak Komodo - rampant trash eating creatures 

Beautiful Branch Members

BAPTISM & A TIME TO GROW

What an amazing, uplifting week filled with many miracles and more learning experiences. 

Sooooo, this week Brother H was baptised!!!! WWWOOOOOOWWWW!!!! Up until the very moment we were in the water, I was worried about everything that could go wrong and what might happen to keep it from happening. It was such an amazing, eye opening experience. The service was spiritual and everyone was so happy. I don't know how to describe it! He was so childlike after the baptism -- happy, innocent and pure. 

Filling the baptismal font

I know that we are all children of God, and that baptism was just the first step for Brother H to draw closer to Heavenly Father. One thing I learned from Brother H's baptism is that I need to realize everyone and everything is different. Even though things are different, it doesn't mean they're not true or valuable experiences. Sometimes I worry because Tawau isn't turning into the Ward I grew up in, but I'm starting to understand that there are certain, doctrinal truths that will always be constant, but the people here ARE different as they are throughout the world. It is okay if they feel and experience the Spirit differently than I do. 

Titian Selara Canopy Walkway - 231 meters

I am so grateful for this opportunity that I've had to teach Brother H and help him come unto Christ. He has taught me how important it is to have faith, even if we don't understand everything perfectly. Sometimes I become prideful and think I have a great knowledge about the gospel, a certain topic, etc., but teaching Brother H and trying to answer his sincere questions humbled me. We have the fullness of the gospel, but we are still required to exercise much faith because we don't have all of the answers. I love being a missionary and learning these simple little truths!!!

Jungle filled with chattering monkeys

This week, I also finally had the opportunity to play basketball with another member. We played around the world, a little bit of two on two, and then I tried to help him with his shot a bit. The first thing it did was humble me. Dad, how did you teach me how to do anything? ;)  I realized that just like teaching the gospel, we need to start with small things that people can understand. If we explain things using complex terms or something they haven't felt yet, it will be impossible for them to grasp the concept and learn on their own. I am grateful that Heavenly Father has given me certain talents that I can use to share the gospel, and I am grateful for unique opportunities to be taught by the Spirit about how to be a better missionary. 

While teaching some new investigators who are faithful Christians in their church, an 18 year old young man shared his powerful testimony about how Christ healed him when he was injured. It was such a powerful testimony Sometimes I don't realize that people from other churches can feel the Spirit and learn about Christ in very personal and powerful ways. He helped me see that sometimes being part of one church is a step towards His true and complete Gospel. I know that faithful members in other churches make faithful, active, converted servants when they come to know the full truth that this gospel has to offer. I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to meet with so many diverse people with their unique experiences. It is so humbling to have people trust me and be willing to talk to me!!! We are all here on earth to learn, live and love together.  I am learning every day from them as I do my best to share my testimony as well. 

P-Day Hike to Bukit Gemok Forest Reserve

Lastly, I just want all of you to know that when we have our eye single to the glory of God, nothing we do is in vain. We may not see immediate results, we will still experience trials and hardships, and it certainly isn't easy, but I know that as we continually focus on loving God and our neighbors, we will notice more blessings in our lives. We will not feel as if we've wasted time, failed ourselves, or come up short. I know that this life is to learn and grow, and that is certainly what we are all doing. 1 Corinthians 15:58 talks about this much better than I can explain it! 

One of many giant creatures

I am so overwhelmed with all that has happened this week. I am grateful for my family, the people here in Tawau, my companion, all of you back home. I just feel so blessed. I am so grateful to have had the gospel since I was born. I have been able to see the blessings that come in this life from obedience, and I know that any sacrifices we have made in order to be obedient are worth it. I love you guys!!!! Happy Birthday Papa!!!

Love, 

Elder Lloyd

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

This week has been another incredible week!!! Every single day is so different and teaches me new things, yet they all kind of blend together...I think that's why a mission goes by so fast! I can't believe it's already 2015. I am so excited for this new year and all that will happen. Looking back on 2014 and seeing where I was last January compared to now is a BIG difference. 

I invite all of you to make a vision about where you want to see yourself at the end of 2015 and then all of the little goals and plans/resolutions can come from your main vision. We need to be able to see the whole perspective in order to motivate us in our daily progression. 

There were so many experiences that I want to share with your from this last week....one of the coolest things we've done so far happened last Monday after emailing. We went out to a member's house that lives a long way from town in the jungle. They are incredibly poor in a worldly sense, have 11 children, and have scripture study for an hour every single night. They are amazing!!!!!! We went on a hike with a few of the kids, saw some snakes/monkeys, lots of green, and got bitten by a lot of mosquitos. It was so cool to see these 7 and 9 year old boys with a machete leading us through the jungle, fishing, and just being stud muffins!

Many of the kids aren't formally educated here, but they have a different kind of education that is just as valuable. Their families are their best friends, they love the Lord, and they know how to survive. One thing I want to do better this year is show my love/pray for my family. Whether you're far away from them or living in the same house, we can all do better at showing our gratitude and love for our siblings, parents, and children. I am so grateful that the people here are teaching me what truly matters and brings us joy in life and throughout eternity. I love these people so much!!!!

Another miracle happened at church yesterday. As a district (all 4 elders) we have been praying and pondering about what first steps are necessary to help the branch start to grow and strengthen. Many of the members are less active and most have no transportation. There are many obstacles, but we thought that we could start by trying to get hometeaching started along with getting people callings. 

We fasted for many things yesterday, and during Sunday school, one of the members bore her testimony and taught about how we need to fulfill our callings as members. No calling is too big or too small-we are all needed to further the Lord's work. This was exactly what we had been praying for and wanting to share with the branch. I am so grateful for this sister being in tune with the Spirit. As missionaries, we are loved, but anything coming from a member is much, much more powerful. To have her share her testimony and feelings was so moving and inspiring! 

I realized that my calling as a missionary is no greater or less than any other person's calling in the church. I am where the Lord wants me to be right now, and I will not become doubtful, lazy, or frustrated. Heavenly Father gives us callings to help others, but they also bless our own lives. I am so humbled and grateful to be a missionary and representative of our Savior Jesus Christ. 

Another cool experience came when we were teaching an investigator. Elder C and I have been working on teaching with better unity so that we can teach more powerfully with the Spirit. We had planned to teach the Law of Chastity and build on the Word of Wisdom  but when we got to the lesson, we both felt the need to focus more on how the gospel can bless his family and help him be a better parent. Elder C and I both had the same feelings and didn't even stumble. It was incredible to feel as if we were truly teaching towards a need. Our investigator shared some stories with us, and it was a wonderful, spiritual experience where we all learned a lot. I am so grateful to be companions with Elder C, and I am grateful for the Holy Ghost. The good moments as a missionary are indescribable and just make it all worth it!!!

I've really been trying to strive for continuous revelation and the Spirit, almost to the point of silliness! I realized this week in D and C 58:26-29 that the Lord doesn't expect us and won't compel us in absolutely every single little thing we do. 

26 For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.

 27 Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;

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

 29 But he that doeth not anything until he is commanded, and receiveth a commandment with doubtful heart, and keepeth it with slothfulness, the same is damned.

I know that as we do all that we can to have the Holy Ghost with us, Heavenly Father will trust us more and more and give us feelings of confirmation after we make a decision. I am so humbled to be learning these things as a missionary, and I am so grateful for the Atonement. I often feel like I'm making a million mistakes, but I know that Christ helps me through everything. It gives me peace to know that someone knows exactly how I feel in every situation I'm put in. 

Lastly, I would just invite you all to show more excitement about the gospel. Smiling, energy, happiness....they're all contagious and will help others have a desire to come to church, read their scriptures, and come closer to Christ. This is an exciting message that we have to share, so let's be excited about it! 

I am so grateful for all of you and all that you have done for me. I feel your love and your prayers, and I wouldn't be here without all of you. This week, Brother H is scheduled to be baptised, so pray extra hard for him. I love you all!!

Love, Elder Lloyd