"Another day, another nickel"

Hey family! It's been another awesome week in Viera! But, if you haven't noticed, every week is awesome here. Nothing that I can think of that was super crazy or unusual happened this week. Just another great week :) OH! Actually guess what? Today is day 9 of B being a non-smoker! He hasn't slipped up once yet. Please continue to pray for him; he is doing great. Elder Call is doing great, he is so funny. We have a lot of fun together doing the Lord's work. Of course, you have to find the balance, and always be dignified, but it is still fun. There is nothing that brings more joy or satisfaction.

Hey Mom, in response to your email don't worry about anything for my birthday. My needs are all provided for! I am very blessed. Maybe you guys could just pray for me =] That would be great. Pray that we will be able to find new investigators who are prepared for baptism - through the members! Thanks. Oh yeah, if you are wondering what the subject line is about... let me tell you.

I was sitting here on the computer thinking about what I could title this email (I try to come up with something different than just the same ol' thing week after week), and then one of the workers for Polo-Glen apartments walks in. He has glasses, and a pony tail, and wears short shorts. Well, I asked how things are going and he said, "Another day, another nickel." At first I was thinking to myself, "Huh, that's what he's said for about the last 4 weeks in a row when I ask him that question." And then I was realizing just how important it is to make each day a great day =] The gospel really gives us an eternal perspective; we aren't just here to go through the day-to-day routine and then die. Thank goodness, that would be boring. One thing I have been trying to do is listen to the Holy Ghost better, and take time to think and ponder throughout the day. Sometimes I feel so scatterbrained that I feel like it downs my effectiveness in different things. Writing in my journal has helped me clear my mind and focus better, and that way I have less stress and can instead focus on listening to the Spirit. I am also going to start carrying a little pocket notebook with me to jot down little thoughts or things I want to write in my journal entry.

Well, we are working hard, being obedient, and enjoying life! A mission is a great experience... you get to see everything and learn a lot. Except sometimes you don' t want to see everything, but at least you learn from it! It's just the small day-to-day things that you make an effort at that in the long run add up to being great things. I love you all!

I know that God is our Eternal Father, and that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to atone for our sins. He set the perfect example and lived a sinless life. He can heal us if we come to Him. I know that They love each and every one of us, no matter what we have done or will do! They just want to help us. One way I had it explained to me this week is to think of how you feel about your own children.. even though they still make mistakes, you love them right? You want them to reach their full potential, and have everything that you have in your life. You want them to have more, and will do everything you can to help them get that. Why is that? Why do you want your children to be better than you are, to have more than you do? It is about love, and it's in our nature. Our Heavenly Father is the same way. That amazes me! Hope you all have a wonderful week!

love,

Elder Beckett