...Like a Kid in a Candy Shop

I have to write quick! grr. so much to do on your day off! haha I finally understand a small part of all you do =)

We have found the almighty gu-ru out here. Bro Fredrickson is a RM from Brazil! He is also a Gospel genius. He can get deep without getting out into kolob stuff.

here are some small truths that I can kind of remember (along with things to think about)

 

All decisions are based on either a desire to Escape or Pursue. I.E. Are you angry because you want to be? Or are you angry because you're trying to escape or hide from something - are you scared?

 

Are you a rebel as that being your goal, or as that being somewhere that is not where you are now (running away from something).

 

Who tempted satan? WHy is his plan so evil? Because he would be the only one to progress. He would halt aall of god's creation (which progression is god's work and glory) and only let himself, satan, progress.

 

Does god know everything you did before you did it? Yes. How else could he atone for your sins. How else could he feel what a holocaust would feel like if he did not already know.

 

Was Christ God before this life? To enjoy all that God enjoys is to have immortality (body and spirit not to be seperated ever again) and eternal life (to live as god lives, with him). We weren't close to either. However, Christ probably did experience eternal life. He just needed a body to experinece immortality.

 

 

Lastly, thank you so much for the Conner T-shirt! I miss that little guy and I'll wear that everywhere! Tell Brian and Natalie I love them!

 

Tell Granny and Gramps thanks so much for the letter and ties! I loved them both and I'll write them back soon.

Thank you so much for the package and postcards, and jerky, and pictuers!!!!

sometimes on this mission, I feel like a kid in a candy shop =D

James is in South Dakota - mining for Diamonds in the Rough!

James is waiting for his Visa by serving the people of South Dakota!  ( -- mining = proselyting; Diamonds are people who don't yet know their true worth!)

The Address is:
SDRCM
2525 W. Main Suite #311
Rapid City, SD 57702

SDRCM stands for South Dakota Rapid City Mission!


He arrived last Monday!  We got this email yesterday and are tickled to share it with you! - This is a letter to his Mission President:

This mission is the best!  My companion is the best example of what a missionary is all about.  We work hard for the people of Rapid City and work hard to follow all the rules.  I have noticed that my capacity to love people has increased.  I do feel crestfallen when our investigators do not keep out commitments and am overjoyed with the tell us what they've read in the Book of Mormon.

One couple that we've focused on recently is Ben and Meri.  They (and we) have seen that the Book of Mormon applies to their lives.  We have recently shared Mosiah 4 with them.  We can experience the same feelings that King Benjamin's people felt -- clean hearts, pure consciences, and a desire to do evil no more.  President, rest assured that this Gospel is true to me.  I can see it work in my life and in the lives of the people around me.  Elder Edwards and I go to bed exhausted each night and having no regrets about our day!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ and in a letter to his friends he shares this story I'd like to share with you!:

....I told myself, sarcastically, that my companion would be captain of the XC team and wanna run up a mountain every day before proselyting...so guess what? - Every day at 6:30, we run up a ountain and back down =D!  Love my companion and I love this Mission!

If you have your book of Mormon, read Mosiah 4 and look and feel for what the atonement feels likein the peoples' lives!  We got to share this inspired scripture with a man who has had a rough life. His "street name" was 'the Reaper".  He's witnessed suicides, homicides, substances, abuse, and everything else you could possibly think of ... but he is changing his life!  He has a daughter now, Sylvia, and when he looks into her eyes, all the pain that he carries seems to melt away and you can only see the love that he has for his family.

Not only that, but the missionaries always say that if you wanna change your life and have all the commandments of God be easy for you -- you just need to READ SCRIPTURES,  PRAY, and ATTEND CHURCH!  This is sooo true!

Gotta Go!

Love ya all!!!!

James

Lots of Love - Lots of pictures!

         In the Celestial Room at our last temple trip, I had a chance to talk with my eloved friend, Elder XS, I told him that instead of just experimenting on the word, experiment on the Spirit!  The MTC has such a strong Spirit that based on your obedience - you should pray with a pencil in order to receive personal revelation to heartfelt prayers.  I was so grateful when he took me up on my word, but bummed when he expressed 2 days ago that he's been praying hard for investigators and personal questions without receiving insight. 

6-28-13:

I love hearing tat the gospel is going to town in our home!  that's so great!  I remember how much you helped me with my Faith in God Award!

Thank you for sharing my letters with them all!  Thank you for all the love, support, packages and letters!  They seriously mean sooo much to me.

A lot of the district just got reassignments today!  Yahoo!!!  One elder is going to Denver, Colorado and we haven't seen where the sisters are going yet!   - Perhaps that's why we're staying here a bit longer -- Read my email about Elder X -- we still have lives to touch!

[Email reads:  "this is what a weekly report to the branch presidency looks like: 
     Dear Presidency,
         This week has been so fantastic!  Today we wnt through the 'in-field Orientation' which out and out got me pumped for the mission field!  Though I do not feel ready in the langage, I do feel that through high expectations, smart goals, and faith - I can do anything.
         I've been thinking quite a bit about faith this week...what's faith and what's just brazen wishful thinking!  If I set a goal of 25 baptisms in a month, am I having faith, or just a crazy hope?  The difference is that you ave to start with the Spirit, let go of the natural man (am I doing this for me or not), and follow through having a trusting hope that our God is a God of miracles.
          He wants to receive a solid testimony for his investigators, faith for miracles, and insight for his questins (they all go hand in hand).  Elder Capawana and I have been talking with him and trying to help him best we can.  Last night, I shared Alma 32:16 with him.  We asked if he had a sure undeniable knowledge of the things he was teaching.  He didn't.  We asked him if he had a desire to believe and a hope that he would receive inspiration.  He did.  We then asked him what this was.  His reply?  'hmmm.... I do have faith.' 
         It was the best thing ever!  Elder X wants so badly to have faith and all he has to do is recognize that he already has it.  The next step is to find out how the Spirit talks to him.  We suggested that perhaps, his Father wants him to search what He has already given him: scriptures, Patriachal Blessing and MTC devotionals.
         Not only do we love this elder but we love being able to share some of the doctrine, wisdom, and insight that we learned - and wish we had a lot sooner.
        I understand that this letter should include more topics than what was written, but I felt that was important.
       As for my progress, please know that I made a personal VOW to preach the gospel to every creature because I didn't share enough to my friends back home.
      I love you all
      Elder Reinhardt'"
 By the way, you were right!  Family history is COOL!  We all watched a video on family history as part of our MTC training.  Can you tell me your testimony of family History?  Do you have any stories to tell?  I have to know more about how awesome it is so I can use it!

They said that family history is the 'bridge between casual conversation and sharing the work of salvation with God's Children."  Key indicators for family history and where it can make an impact is when people:  1) Move from home  2) Have family reunions   3) Marriage/birth    4) death or illness   5) retirement 


July 5th:
It's so good to hear from you Mom!

......you're so right, Mom, Satan's working hard, but GOD'S WORKING HARDER!!! 

 

Poor Jamie! I'm sorry you're hurting sissy! I love you! You'll feel better soon I know it! I'm glad that you're still watching the parade though! You and Brooklyn look great! Will you tell her to email or write me! =D

Sure, sometimes Sandpoint doesn't have much to do, but it sounds like it's waking up! Seeing all those pictures makes my heart soar! Jayson being a magician (and wearing the hat I gave him =)  ) and winning at checkers! Jamie being a cowgirl in a wagon!

 

I love you all so much! We celebrated the 4th of July by watching 17 Miracles!!!

You HAVE TO SEE IT....it is a hard movie, but it is MTC approved. Listen to the young couple in the beginning and why they want to treck all the way from England to Zion. Feel the love of Brother Savage and how he just wants to be back with his boy and follow the will of the lord. It was a tear jerker, but a testimony grower! I expect an email about you watching it soon! ;) oh, and this is the 'stadium of fire" in the background.

The MTC Presidency honestly said, "Since you've all been so good, we are going to let you stay up past your bedtime." So we got to watch fireworks =)

Love you Mom, Dad, Jayson, and Jamie!

Elder James Reinhardt

Relationships are borne of heaven

...I saw Parker Davis the other day! - My best friend in 8th grade?  His dad wrote The Other Side of Heaven!  Also, saw Sister hiatt!  One of Prez Hiatt's daughters!  Oh!  And I saw Sister jocelyn Verkist as well!!!  So long story short, it is soo cool (when you haven't seen a friend in soo long)  to see them at the best place they could be!  The MTC!  I imagine that the same experience will happen in heaven....Wow!  I'm so stoked we made it!

Thank you for all your prayers!  I do go to bed on Fire!  i feel that I get inspiration on a daily basis!  I just need to follow it more!

Tried to go up a cement step yesterday and instead, proved gravity exists...I slammed the pavement... mas, Tudo bem!

We heard a fantastic talk on Sunday by Stephen B. Allen - He showed a lot of Mormon messages - commercials -- the best one talked about the Spirit.  We are counseled to lean not unto our own understanding, to expound on that, when we follow the Spirit, we must not seek the reason - just be obedient.

We watched the Testaments this Sunday and I felt like I watched it for the first time!  I want you all to know that Eusei que Jesus Vive!  Eu tento animo por cuando Ele volta na terra Var ser LEGAL.  Nos devemos trabalhar a conhecer Jesus Cristo por meco da Expiacao antes de Ele vem.  Eu amo ele, e eu posso pregar suas palavaras. Eu gusto deste Igresia, e eu espero que todos pessoas podam escutar meo testamuntro.

Before I close... I want you all to know that I love you.  I could not ask for a better family, and I'm sure that we had already decided that we were going to help each other out in this life -- in the life before.  If you need anything from me - anything at all, let me know!

With muito Amor,
Sev Filho
Elder Tiago Reinhardt!

PS - Get some of my friend writing me!!!!


PPS -- The night I received the letter saying that Grandpa wasn't doing so hot..... I prayed HARD.  It was not a fun night.  I can tell you though that as my companion, Elder Capawana and I stretched our voices up to heaven, I received a personal witness that God loves Grandpa and Grandma.  He truly does whether they like it or not.  And even though I would love to see Grandpa on earth -- if I have to see him again on the other side -- that is ok.  I know that if so, Grandpa will be receiving the blessing promised in 2 Ne 24:3.  I know that if anything, when I see him in heaven, his mortal body will be perfected.  His stature will be coupled with Heavenly Glory.  Though I pray that I can see him again...and I know he can do it!  I also trust that God has a hand in whatever happens.  I received a witness that God would take perfect care of our good Grandpa.  I know that no matter what, God's perfect plan of justice and mercy is designed to bless Grandpa.  I know that our relationships are not bound to this earth!  If I will not be able to see him again, then I will see him as described in Alma 11:42-45. 

Tudo Ben,.  Ate-logo.  Eu amo voces. 

Testimonies, Ties, Freebies and God has a hand in All...

Another Delicious letter from James!  His testimony is so strong and vibrant!  I hope you can feel it too!



"Dear Mother!!!!

Sorry I haven't been writing!!  Found out I can only write once a week!  Also, the response to these letters may be out of order ;)   BUT!!!

I saw Parker Davis the other day!  My best friend in 8th grade?  His dad wrote "The Other Side of Heaven!"  Also, saw Sister Hiatt!!  One of Prez Hiatt's daughters!  Oh!  And I saw Sister Jocelyn Verkist as well!  So long story short, it is soo cool -- when you haven't seen a friend in soo long -- to see them at the best place they could be!  The MTC!!!  I imagine that the same experience will happen at heaven..."Wow!"  I'm sooo stoked we made it!

Thank you for all your prayers!  I do go to bed on Fire!  I feel that I get inspiration on a daily basis!  I just need to follow it more!

Hey!  On June 23rd!  Please watch the Leadership Broadcast!!!  I'll be in the choir!  The missionary part of the choir will be about 1300 strong!  That's a ton!  I hear it's gonna be a huge announcement!

I tried to go up a cement step yesterday and instead, proved gravity exists ... I slammed the pavement ... mas, Tudo bem!  Though I probably won't spell this right, Eu Falei Somente Portuguese haje e eu posso pensar mais meihor em este lingua!  Eu amo isso!

We heard a fantastic talk on Sunday by Stephen B Allen.  He showed a lot of Mormon Messages - commercials -- the best one talked about the Spirit.  We are counseled to lean not unto our own understanding, to expound on that -- when we follow the Spirit, 'we must not seek the reason - just be obedient."

I still love your pictures soo much!  Today,  I found two gnarly but colorful ties in the Free box ( a treasure trove of unloved items for the benefit of whoever comes first.

We watched the Testament this Sunday - and I felt like I watched it for the first time!  I want you all to know that Eusei que Jesus Vive.  Eu tento animo por cuando Ele volta na Terra Va ser LEGAL.  Nos devemos trabalhar a conhece Jesus Cristo por meio da Expiagao antes de Ele vem.  Es amo Ele, e eu posso pregar suas palavras Eu gosto deste igresink, e eu espero que todos pessoas podam escutar meo testamente.

Before I close ...

I want you all to know that I love you.  I could not ask for a better family, and I'm sure that we had already decided that we were going to help each other out in this life -- in the life before.  If you need anything from me - anything at all, let me know!

PPS -- The night I received the letter saying that Grandpa wasn't doing so hot .. I prayed HARD.  It was not a fun night.  I can tell you though that as my Companion Elder Capaviara and I stretched our voices up to Heaven, I received a personal witness that God loves Grandpa and Grandma - He truly does - whether they like it or not - and even though I would love to see Grandpa on Earth - if I have to see Him again on the other side - that is ok.  I know that if so, Grandpa will be receiving the blessing promised in 2 Ne 24:3.  I know that if anything, when I see him in Heaven, his mortal body will be perfected.  His stature will be coupled with Heavenly Glory.  Though I pray that I can see Him again -- and I know He can do it!  I also trust that God has a hand in whatever happens!

Tudo Ben.  Ate-logo.  Eu amo voces.

James

...The Metalsmith and purification...

Sorry, I'm behind in posting!  James, in this letter asked for all of you to write to him -- he wants to keep in touch!  -okay, Chelsea Burnett, Brookly, Justin, James!!!!  He misses you guys and says hi!
Anyway, this is from a very delicious letter James sent home on June 14th ... enjoy!


Hey Mom!

I'll be writing a ton of letters today, so this email will be kind of short ...but just wanted to say thank you (and thank you Dad, Jamie, and Jayson!) for all your support!  Thank you for having me grow up in this beautiful gospel!   Life is good on this end!

This week's picture is just us at lunch =)  I love the people here!  It is very interesting finding ways to work with people that you're with 24/7.  While on a mission, you are to be with your companion at all times - except for when using the restroom/showers -- "within sight and sound."  I'm so blessed to have a companion that is super hard working, funny, from Idaho, loves similar music, easy going, and we just get along too well =) - He'll probably be my best man -- well, whenever marriage starts to look welcoming! ;)

The hardest thing so far is trying to find out what my investigators need.  I know that you are really great with giving  your friends (and me) what they need as far as friendship, counsel, and love goes.  As I try to figure out what my investigators need in their lives, I am finding out what questions to ask them, how to listen (in another language), and how to use their responses to know if they need to hear that God loves them, or that His gospel is back on the Earth, etc...

At times I feel quite inadequate to teach someone in their native language.  But I know that as I learn more about this gospel, the Portuguese language, and work hard, God will make up for the rest.  I know that everything in this life relates back to the atonement of Jesus Christ.  Whenever we feel inadequate, that is the Devil talking.  We need to remember what God told Moses in Exodus 4:12... has he not made our mouths?  Has He not made our minds?  Has He not made our bodies?  We already have bodies given us that reflect the body of our Lord.  When we follow Him and keep His commandments, we can be an instrument in His, the Master's Hands.

Do you know how the metalsmith knows when the metal has been purified?  The metal worker puts the steel in the very hottest part of the kiln.  He then waits ... if He pulls the metal out too quick, it might still have impurities.  If He leaves it in too long, it will be ruined.  He knows it has been in the fire long enough when HE CAN SEE HIS REFLECTION IN IT.  We just need to keep holding on, even when it's hot.  He will always save us at the second before we are about to break if we really really giveit our all.  Is that now what our purpose is here?  To be tried and tested so that we can be more perfect -- more like our perfect Father?

When we fall short, it's ok.  Our perfect and celestial older Brother, Jesus Christ, already did the hard part for us.  With the perfect love that he has for us, He combined his Godly will with his mortal body and suffered the most tragic agony and most pure act of love to happen for you, for me, for everyone who ever lived, is living, and will ever live.  He already suffered the pain for every pitfall that comes upon us from our own sins, fromt
he sins of others, or from just living on this mortal sphere.  HE HAS ALREADY DONE THIS, we just need to accept Him, follow Him, and we will live a happier life.  That's all there is to it!

I DOUBLE DOG DARE YOU to take up Jesus' offer to follow Him.  I can guarantee that you'll love Him for it.  I can also guarantee that there is opposition in all things -- when you start to do something good, a storm will come; Satan will try to discourage you in any way possible...However who's side do you want to be on?  I'm on team Jesus.  It may not be easy, but I promise you it will be worth it!

Em nome de nosso salvador, Jesus Cristo, Amen

A quickening of Spirit....

We were so tickled to see James and his companion on the NEWS!  Thanks a ton for sharing this, Suzy!!!  James is doing great at the MTC and really thriving in his calling!  Here are some excerpts from his latest letters!  Thanks again for all of you and your support for James -- and all of our missionaries out in the field!  What an exciting time!



" Am I waking up on fire every day?  I'm waking up happy, that's for sure!  I go to bed on fire though!  

Instead of just reading scritures with a pen, I pray with a pen.  I have a sure testimony that God guides this district through letting me receive inspiration.  I feel like my mind is quickened whenever I am using my calling:  companionship interviews, meetings, giving counsel, etc.

Thanks for sending my white clothes!  Thanks also for the care pakage - the elders here loved the licorice!  I'm so thankful for the letters and love!  As district leader, I'm the first to see the mail -- even though I don't look at it til the evening when everyone gets to :)  And I always love seeing letters from my family!

Oh, my GOODNESS!!!  I went to the Provo Temple today with my best friend!  Elder Capansura is not only a stud, but we're so similar!  Both from ID, his family comes up to Sandpoint to see his grandparents, he is a hard worker, doesn't complain, studies the language a ton, into cycling, loves and befriends everyone, has a GRAND sarcastic humor (and can look you straight in the face and with his gameface, get you to believe anything he says, just because he's excellent at telling tall tales with a straight face)  and enjoys actually staying in the temple for a long time!

Please get this address out on facebook or just the dear Elder thing:)

James.reinhardt@myldsmail.net

Elder James F. Reinhardt
MTC Mailbox #94
BRA-VIT 0701
2005 N. 900E.
Provo, UT  84604 - 1793

I love you!  And I love God!

Much Love,
Elder James Reinhardt

James in the News  (go to 1:33 and you'll see him walking into devotional with his companion!)