Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Fri, Mar 25, 2011
Hey Family! In four days, I will be on a plane going to Mexico! I am sooooooo excited. The next time you hear from me, I am going to be lost in an unfamiliar country speaking a different language! It is so exciting. We have some bad news though,... My companion Elder Zabriskie found out that he has cancer, so he is going to be having surgery on this up-coming Tuesday. They say that the recovery time after the surgery is about 2-3 weeks, so he is really bummed about not getting to head out with the rest of us. We have been going back and forth between doctors for the past two weeks trying to get this all figured out. I pretty sure that the cancer is not that bad, and I just hope that he is going to be able come to Mexico. About this weather today.... So when I walked to the temple this morning, at like 7:30, it was nice and warm, maybe a little overcast. When I came out of the temple, there was snow everywhere. It was snowing very strong, and I JUST had my suit dry cleaned. Oh, well, that is life huh? Well, I love you all so much. I know that this church is the true church, and that Jesus is at the head of it. The Gospel just makes sense. I don't really know how else to put it. I love my Savior. I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet, called by God to restore this gospel to the earth. I am so excited to bring this message to the people in Culiacan Mexico. Love Elder Johnson
Fri, Mar 18, 2011
Dear Family, Fri, Mar 18, 2011 at 12:06 PM
I was so happy to hear from you. There have been so many things that have happened this week.
This Wednesday, we received our travel plans, and that has been SOOOO exciting. We leave on the 28th, at like 6 in the morning, and arrive in Culiacan at 6 in the afternoon. I love it here at the MTC, but I am so excited to finally get out and serve the people in Mexico. It is going to be quite the experience not knowing that much Spanish. I take comfort in the fact that I am learning Spanish and not Japanese or something. And also that this is what the Lord has planned for me, and so he will provide a way for me to accomplish the tasks that are ahead of me. He is going ahead, and preparing the way for me.
Speaking of Spanish, we just learned this new form of conjugating this week, that doesn't exist in English! It has been super exciting and funny, because all of us are so lost. It will come with time though.
Probably one of the biggest things that has happened in the past two weeks, is that I have developed such a testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. For the past few devotionals, they have been centered around the Atonement, and we have had many WONDERFUL speakers who have edified us. Then to top all of this off, in choir this Tuesday, we sang a song called "Behold the Wounds in Jesus' Hand" It was so powerful, and as I have pondered the words in it, I have received such a love for Jesus.
Behold the Wounds in Jesus' Hands:
Behold the wounds in Jesus' hands,
The Marks upon His side,
Then ponder who He meant to save,
When on the Cross He died.
We cannot see the Love of God
Which saves us from the Fall,
Yet know that Christ from wood and nails
Build mansions for us all.
Behold the outstretched hands of Christ,
Our God, who came to save,
Whose Love and grace redeems our souls
And lifts us from the grace.
Though bruised and battered as we stray
His guiding hands caress,
He washes and anoints with oil
Then in His arms we rest.
Behold the wounds in Jesus' hands,
Look to your Lord and live,
He yearns to bless you with His Love
And all your sins forgive,
Oh empty is the heart of man
When it is filled with sin.
Come open wide your broken heart,
And let your Savior in!
Behold the wounded hands and feet!
Come touch and see and feel
The wounds and marks that you may know
His Love for you is real.
Then as you fall to worship Him
And wet His feet with tears,
You savior takes you in His arms
And quiets all your fears.
This is such a wonderful song. I know that my Savior lives. He loves me. He died for me. He died for us all, and that gives us such great motivation to do all that we can to live with God again. It is our responsibility to make that sacrifice is not in vain. I know that through the atonement we can live with our Father in Heaven once more. As a family. What comfort and Joy this sentence gives.
I love you all so very much, and hope that everything is doing well at home.
Love Elder Johnson
p.s. Jackie, you are the BEST!
I was so happy to hear from you. There have been so many things that have happened this week.
This Wednesday, we received our travel plans, and that has been SOOOO exciting. We leave on the 28th, at like 6 in the morning, and arrive in Culiacan at 6 in the afternoon. I love it here at the MTC, but I am so excited to finally get out and serve the people in Mexico. It is going to be quite the experience not knowing that much Spanish. I take comfort in the fact that I am learning Spanish and not Japanese or something. And also that this is what the Lord has planned for me, and so he will provide a way for me to accomplish the tasks that are ahead of me. He is going ahead, and preparing the way for me.
Speaking of Spanish, we just learned this new form of conjugating this week, that doesn't exist in English! It has been super exciting and funny, because all of us are so lost. It will come with time though.
Probably one of the biggest things that has happened in the past two weeks, is that I have developed such a testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. For the past few devotionals, they have been centered around the Atonement, and we have had many WONDERFUL speakers who have edified us. Then to top all of this off, in choir this Tuesday, we sang a song called "Behold the Wounds in Jesus' Hand" It was so powerful, and as I have pondered the words in it, I have received such a love for Jesus.
Behold the Wounds in Jesus' Hands:
Behold the wounds in Jesus' hands,
The Marks upon His side,
Then ponder who He meant to save,
When on the Cross He died.
We cannot see the Love of God
Which saves us from the Fall,
Yet know that Christ from wood and nails
Build mansions for us all.
Behold the outstretched hands of Christ,
Our God, who came to save,
Whose Love and grace redeems our souls
And lifts us from the grace.
Though bruised and battered as we stray
His guiding hands caress,
He washes and anoints with oil
Then in His arms we rest.
Behold the wounds in Jesus' hands,
Look to your Lord and live,
He yearns to bless you with His Love
And all your sins forgive,
Oh empty is the heart of man
When it is filled with sin.
Come open wide your broken heart,
And let your Savior in!
Behold the wounded hands and feet!
Come touch and see and feel
The wounds and marks that you may know
His Love for you is real.
Then as you fall to worship Him
And wet His feet with tears,
You savior takes you in His arms
And quiets all your fears.
This is such a wonderful song. I know that my Savior lives. He loves me. He died for me. He died for us all, and that gives us such great motivation to do all that we can to live with God again. It is our responsibility to make that sacrifice is not in vain. I know that through the atonement we can live with our Father in Heaven once more. As a family. What comfort and Joy this sentence gives.
I love you all so very much, and hope that everything is doing well at home.
Love Elder Johnson
p.s. Jackie, you are the BEST!
Friday, March 18, 2011
3/17/2011
Hey Family!
Thank you so much for the E-Mail. I really do look forward to reading them. It is always such a Joy.
So, my Companion is E. Zabriskie. He is from St. George. The members of my district are Elders Livingston (Arizona), Gleave (Bountiful Utah), Brunner (Anaheim California), Cicon (Missouri), Webster (Las Vegas), Marriott (Ogden). There was also three Hermana's in our district, but they left for the MTC in Peru on Tuesday. Me, E. Zabriskie, E. Gleave, E. Livingston, E. Webster are all going to Culiacan! The other three are going to Monterey Mexico.
So, everything is going well here at the MTC. With this assignment of being District Leader, I have begun to realize that it is so very important to love those whom you serve. You cannot be a effective, and righteous leader, if you do not care for the people. I have noticed in myself, that when I am angry, or frustrated, I am totally ineffective in trying to be a good leader, but when I am constantly praying for the guidance of the Lord to help me know the needs and concerns of the members of my district, it is such a blessing to them, and to me.
Life is so busy, and the time just fly's. It is amazing.
So I leave for Mexico on the 28th of March. I have two and a half weeks left here in the MTC! It is super crazy. I am totally excited to get out into the field, and serve the people of Mexico, with the little Spanish that I know! Ha ha It is daunting, but I know that the Lord will bless me as I do my part. Anyways, the Spirit is the one that converts right?
I love you all so much, and miss you. Thank you all for the support you give me, and for being such great examples. I pray for you all often, but I know that this is where the Lord wants me. I know that it is so important for me to bring the gospel to the people that the Lord has prepared. Bringing them such a great gift, is a special opportunity for me. The Lord is entrusting me with this responsibility and opportunity
Love,
Elder Johnson
Thank you so much for the E-Mail. I really do look forward to reading them. It is always such a Joy.
So, my Companion is E. Zabriskie. He is from St. George. The members of my district are Elders Livingston (Arizona), Gleave (Bountiful Utah), Brunner (Anaheim California), Cicon (Missouri), Webster (Las Vegas), Marriott (Ogden). There was also three Hermana's in our district, but they left for the MTC in Peru on Tuesday. Me, E. Zabriskie, E. Gleave, E. Livingston, E. Webster are all going to Culiacan! The other three are going to Monterey Mexico.
So, everything is going well here at the MTC. With this assignment of being District Leader, I have begun to realize that it is so very important to love those whom you serve. You cannot be a effective, and righteous leader, if you do not care for the people. I have noticed in myself, that when I am angry, or frustrated, I am totally ineffective in trying to be a good leader, but when I am constantly praying for the guidance of the Lord to help me know the needs and concerns of the members of my district, it is such a blessing to them, and to me.
Life is so busy, and the time just fly's. It is amazing.
So I leave for Mexico on the 28th of March. I have two and a half weeks left here in the MTC! It is super crazy. I am totally excited to get out into the field, and serve the people of Mexico, with the little Spanish that I know! Ha ha It is daunting, but I know that the Lord will bless me as I do my part. Anyways, the Spirit is the one that converts right?
I love you all so much, and miss you. Thank you all for the support you give me, and for being such great examples. I pray for you all often, but I know that this is where the Lord wants me. I know that it is so important for me to bring the gospel to the people that the Lord has prepared. Bringing them such a great gift, is a special opportunity for me. The Lord is entrusting me with this responsibility and opportunity
Love,
Elder Johnson
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
March 4, 2011
Dear Family,
So, I sent the package on Wednesday, so you should get it soon, but here are a few of the things that have happened, that I wrote about.
Sunday: I was called to be the District Leader for the remaining 4 weeks.
Monday: I taught the first lesson is Spanish for the FIRST time!!!!! Wow, was it difficult, but I enjoyed it.
Tuesday: I found out that my visa has gotten through, and all of the visas for those going to Culiacan Mexico. We will be leaving on time!
Wednesday: We took a ride up to the consulate in Salt Lake City, to sign some papers.
So yeah, this week has been quite the experience for me. I really have been pushed to grow so much, and I have learned that I must rely on the Lord. There will be no way for me to accomplish the things that he has planned for me. It is scary, and yet comforting.
I had a growing experience this week. I'll tell you what I wrote in my journal. "I had a marvelous experience just a few moments ago. I looked out into the corridor, and I saw this missionary sitting out on the floor. As I walked away, I distinctly remember thinking that he looked sad. I then received the impression to go back and say something to him. I promptly discounted that notion. Then it came back stronger, and I really could not stop thinking about it. I even thought, "is this the Spirit?". Yet I still fought. The reason why was unclear, though I believe that I was just scared, and didn't know what to say. When I finally decided that the Lord was trying to guide me, I was still scared, but I bowed my head, and offered a quick prayer. As I walked back, the whole way, I was praying to the Lord to help me know what to say. Heavenly Father did bless me this night. I do not know if anything I said or did will affect the life of Elder Ferrera, but my life was greatly improved by the testimony of that Elder." By following the promptings of the Spirit, I have been brought closer to Christ. This is because, I was doing what Jesus would want me to do. This experience also goes along with my purpose as a missionary. Invite others to come unto Christ.
I need to have courage to follow the promptings of the Spirit, without delay, so then Jesus, can develop a trust in me.
I'm glad to hear about all of the things at home, and greatly enjoy your letters.
I love you all so much, and I pray for you always.
Love
Elder Graeme Johnson
So, I sent the package on Wednesday, so you should get it soon, but here are a few of the things that have happened, that I wrote about.
Sunday: I was called to be the District Leader for the remaining 4 weeks.
Monday: I taught the first lesson is Spanish for the FIRST time!!!!! Wow, was it difficult, but I enjoyed it.
Tuesday: I found out that my visa has gotten through, and all of the visas for those going to Culiacan Mexico. We will be leaving on time!
Wednesday: We took a ride up to the consulate in Salt Lake City, to sign some papers.
So yeah, this week has been quite the experience for me. I really have been pushed to grow so much, and I have learned that I must rely on the Lord. There will be no way for me to accomplish the things that he has planned for me. It is scary, and yet comforting.
I had a growing experience this week. I'll tell you what I wrote in my journal. "I had a marvelous experience just a few moments ago. I looked out into the corridor, and I saw this missionary sitting out on the floor. As I walked away, I distinctly remember thinking that he looked sad. I then received the impression to go back and say something to him. I promptly discounted that notion. Then it came back stronger, and I really could not stop thinking about it. I even thought, "is this the Spirit?". Yet I still fought. The reason why was unclear, though I believe that I was just scared, and didn't know what to say. When I finally decided that the Lord was trying to guide me, I was still scared, but I bowed my head, and offered a quick prayer. As I walked back, the whole way, I was praying to the Lord to help me know what to say. Heavenly Father did bless me this night. I do not know if anything I said or did will affect the life of Elder Ferrera, but my life was greatly improved by the testimony of that Elder." By following the promptings of the Spirit, I have been brought closer to Christ. This is because, I was doing what Jesus would want me to do. This experience also goes along with my purpose as a missionary. Invite others to come unto Christ.
I need to have courage to follow the promptings of the Spirit, without delay, so then Jesus, can develop a trust in me.
I'm glad to hear about all of the things at home, and greatly enjoy your letters.
I love you all so much, and I pray for you always.
Love
Elder Graeme Johnson
February 25, 2011
Hey Family,
It was good to hear from you all. Yes, I did receive the package, thank you so much for it, I have enjoyed those cookies greatly, and so has my companion and roommates. My favorite scripture is D&C 68:6
So the food here is great, though I think I'm the only one who enjoys it in my district. I can't complain, because if they serve something that I do not like, I can just eat CEREAL! Mmmm Mmmm Goood. So yeah, I enjoy the food here, though I have gained like 7 pounds since I have been here. And, yes.... I have seen Aimee like eight times since I have been here, she works every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. It is weird, because I'm on a mission, and I have seen so many good friends here. There is like 15 people I know here right now, serving missions. It really is so great.
I had another great experience with music this week. We had a musical devotional where we sang lots of hymns, and then at the end we sang the song "Called to Serve". The way we sang it was, we sang the first verse very quietly, and then we sang the second verse medium loud, and on the final chorus, we stood and sang really loud. It was such a powerful experience. I really enjoy singing so much, and I have gained such a testimony of how much music can affect the Spirit.
Spanish is coming along well, though the more I learn, the more I realize there is too learn! It is a little ridiculous, but it forces me to humble myself before the Lord. I know that the only way that I am going to be able to learn the Spanish language, is with the help of the Lord. But I love it so very much!
Anyways, my time is almost up. I love you all so much, and think about you all the time. I am glad to hear that we are in your prayers. You all have been such a great influence in my life.
Love,
Elder Johnson
p.s. I am going to try to send out a package to you guy's today, with letters and things, so we'll see how that works out, and thanks for the Reeses.
It was good to hear from you all. Yes, I did receive the package, thank you so much for it, I have enjoyed those cookies greatly, and so has my companion and roommates. My favorite scripture is D&C 68:6
So the food here is great, though I think I'm the only one who enjoys it in my district. I can't complain, because if they serve something that I do not like, I can just eat CEREAL! Mmmm Mmmm Goood. So yeah, I enjoy the food here, though I have gained like 7 pounds since I have been here. And, yes.... I have seen Aimee like eight times since I have been here, she works every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. It is weird, because I'm on a mission, and I have seen so many good friends here. There is like 15 people I know here right now, serving missions. It really is so great.
I had another great experience with music this week. We had a musical devotional where we sang lots of hymns, and then at the end we sang the song "Called to Serve". The way we sang it was, we sang the first verse very quietly, and then we sang the second verse medium loud, and on the final chorus, we stood and sang really loud. It was such a powerful experience. I really enjoy singing so much, and I have gained such a testimony of how much music can affect the Spirit.
Spanish is coming along well, though the more I learn, the more I realize there is too learn! It is a little ridiculous, but it forces me to humble myself before the Lord. I know that the only way that I am going to be able to learn the Spanish language, is with the help of the Lord. But I love it so very much!
Anyways, my time is almost up. I love you all so much, and think about you all the time. I am glad to hear that we are in your prayers. You all have been such a great influence in my life.
Love,
Elder Johnson
p.s. I am going to try to send out a package to you guy's today, with letters and things, so we'll see how that works out, and thanks for the Reeses.
February 4, 2011
Hey Family!
I just got back from the temple, and it was the most wonderful experience. Today is P-Day, so it has been quite amazing. It is nice to take a break from all of the intense studying, and just go to the temple and other things. I really look forward to this day.
There is hardly a minute of down time here. It is so different, you have to plan out every minute of every day, to find how to best utilize your time. It is so great. Spanish is a breeze.......... NOT! Wow, all of the years of Spanish that I took, helped me for like the first hour. Well, maybe a little longer than that, but you get the point. It is really amazing though when you realize how much you have learned. I came to the realization this week that the only reason why I can learn so well is because of the Spirit. The ONLY reason. If I humble myself acknowledge this fact, I learn even more! It is a great cycle.
I had the most amazing experience this past Sunday during a fire side. We were singing the Spirit of God. All 2100 missionaries, and when it came to the chorus where it says "we'll sing and we'll shout, with the armies of Heaven" the spirit was so powerful, and it testified to me so strongly that, I was at that very moment singing praises to God with the armies of heaven. It really touched my life.
So um... I'm in the choir.
Thank you again for writing and telling me what is happening at home. Even though I am so close, I feel so far away.
I also appreciated Benjamins letters. They are so great. I can tell just by reading them that he has the Spirit with him so strongly. He really is an example to me.
I look forward to hearing from you guy's soon. Love you lots.
Elder Johnson (the 2nd)
I just got back from the temple, and it was the most wonderful experience. Today is P-Day, so it has been quite amazing. It is nice to take a break from all of the intense studying, and just go to the temple and other things. I really look forward to this day.
There is hardly a minute of down time here. It is so different, you have to plan out every minute of every day, to find how to best utilize your time. It is so great. Spanish is a breeze.......... NOT! Wow, all of the years of Spanish that I took, helped me for like the first hour. Well, maybe a little longer than that, but you get the point. It is really amazing though when you realize how much you have learned. I came to the realization this week that the only reason why I can learn so well is because of the Spirit. The ONLY reason. If I humble myself acknowledge this fact, I learn even more! It is a great cycle.
I had the most amazing experience this past Sunday during a fire side. We were singing the Spirit of God. All 2100 missionaries, and when it came to the chorus where it says "we'll sing and we'll shout, with the armies of Heaven" the spirit was so powerful, and it testified to me so strongly that, I was at that very moment singing praises to God with the armies of heaven. It really touched my life.
So um... I'm in the choir.
Thank you again for writing and telling me what is happening at home. Even though I am so close, I feel so far away.
I also appreciated Benjamins letters. They are so great. I can tell just by reading them that he has the Spirit with him so strongly. He really is an example to me.
I look forward to hearing from you guy's soon. Love you lots.
Elder Johnson (the 2nd)
January 29, 2010
Hola mi familia! Como esta!
Well, I don't really know what to say. The MTC is so amazing. The spirit that is here is so strong, and poignant. I really feel how sacred this place is. It is exciting to actually be out here. Learning the language is so overwhelming. I am in so far over my head, but it really is such a good feeling. I really have learned so much about the gospel in the past three and a half days.
It really is quite something, trying to get used to having a companion all day, all the time. It really helps me remember that my time is not my own, and that I am here to learn how to best serve the Lord. My companion's name is E. Zabriskie, and he is a great man. I really find that it has helped me so much with this experience, because I am trying to help him love the gospel, and find the desire to serve. There are many wonderful missionaries in my district, which is 51a. Our leader is E. Livingston, and he is such a great man. He really loves the gospel, and is such a motivator to all of us.
I cannot express how much I love the scriptures, I thought that is was going to be very difficult to make the transition to the MTC, but the scriptures have really helped me pull through it. They are a constant in my life, and that is so comforting in this time of change.
I really love learning Spanish, it is so hard, and yet it is so fun to be able to attempt to converse in Spanish. Having said that, I would like to bare my testimony to you in Spanish.
Yo se que Jesucristo es nuestro Salvador. Yo se que Jesucristo es el hijo de Dios. Yo se que Jose Smith fue un profeta de Dios. Yo se que el Libro de Mormon es verdadero. Podemos saber esto por medio de sincero oracion. Podemos saber esto por medio de la biblia y el Libro de Mormon. Podemos saber esto por medio de Sspiritu Santo. En el nombre de Jesucristo, Amen.
I really want to tell you all how much I love you guys. I love you all so much and am so thankful for this opportunity to serve.
Love
Elder Johnson
Well, I don't really know what to say. The MTC is so amazing. The spirit that is here is so strong, and poignant. I really feel how sacred this place is. It is exciting to actually be out here. Learning the language is so overwhelming. I am in so far over my head, but it really is such a good feeling. I really have learned so much about the gospel in the past three and a half days.
It really is quite something, trying to get used to having a companion all day, all the time. It really helps me remember that my time is not my own, and that I am here to learn how to best serve the Lord. My companion's name is E. Zabriskie, and he is a great man. I really find that it has helped me so much with this experience, because I am trying to help him love the gospel, and find the desire to serve. There are many wonderful missionaries in my district, which is 51a. Our leader is E. Livingston, and he is such a great man. He really loves the gospel, and is such a motivator to all of us.
I cannot express how much I love the scriptures, I thought that is was going to be very difficult to make the transition to the MTC, but the scriptures have really helped me pull through it. They are a constant in my life, and that is so comforting in this time of change.
I really love learning Spanish, it is so hard, and yet it is so fun to be able to attempt to converse in Spanish. Having said that, I would like to bare my testimony to you in Spanish.
Yo se que Jesucristo es nuestro Salvador. Yo se que Jesucristo es el hijo de Dios. Yo se que Jose Smith fue un profeta de Dios. Yo se que el Libro de Mormon es verdadero. Podemos saber esto por medio de sincero oracion. Podemos saber esto por medio de la biblia y el Libro de Mormon. Podemos saber esto por medio de Sspiritu Santo. En el nombre de Jesucristo, Amen.
I really want to tell you all how much I love you guys. I love you all so much and am so thankful for this opportunity to serve.
Love
Elder Johnson
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