September 23, 2008

Advice To Live By - Elder Busche

"Unleashing the Dormant Spirit"
by F. Enzio Busche, who was a member of the First Quorum
of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
when this devotional address was given at
Brigham Young University on May 14, 1996


**********************************************************
I want to share with you a vehicle, an instrument, which I have developed some time ago for myself and for my family. It can assist us to reach our focus as we read the suggested vision of true discipleship as a Latter-day Saint. It helps when we from time to time, ponder and seek identification with the following thoughts:
* Embrace this day with an enthusiastic welcome, no matter how it looks. The covenant with God to which you are true, enables you to become enlightened by him, and nothing is impossible for you.
* When you are physically sick, tired, or in despair, steer your thoughts away from yourself and direct them, in gratitude and love, towards God.
* In your life, there have to be challenges. They will either bring you closer to God and therefore make you stronger, or they can destroy you. But you make the decision of which road you take.
* First and foremost, you are a spirit child of God. If you neglect to feed your spirit, you will reap unhappiness. Don't permit anything to detract you from this awareness.
* You cannot communicate with God unless you have first sacrificed your self-oriented natural man, and have brought yourself into the lower levels of meekness, to become acceptable for the Light of Christ.
* Put all frustrations, hurt feelings, and grumblings into the perspective of your eternal hope. Light will flow into your soul.
* Pause to ponder the suffering Christ felt in the Garden of Gethsemane. In the awareness of the depth of gratitude for him, you appreciate every opportunity to show your love for him by diligently serving in his Church.
* God knows that you are not perfect. As you suffer about your imperfections, he will give you comfort and suggestions of where to improve.
* God knows better than you what you need. He always attempts to speak to you. Listen, and follow the uncomfortable suggestions that he makes to us and everything will fall into its place.
* Avoid any fear like your worst enemy, but magnify your fear about the consequences of sin.
* When you cannot love someone, look into that person's eyes long enough to find the hidden rudiments of the child of God in him.
* Never judge anyone. When you accept this, you will be freed. In the case of your own children or subordinates, where you have the responsibility to judge, help them to become their own judges.
* If someone hurts you so much that your feelings seem to choke you, forgive, and you will be free again.
* Avoid at all cost any pessimistic, negative, or criticizing thoughts. If you cannot cut them out, they will do you harm. On the road toward salvation, let questions arise but never doubts. If something is wrong, God will give you clarity but never doubts.
* Avoid rush and haste and uncontrolled words. Divine light develops in places of peace and quiet. Be aware of that as you enter places of worship.
* Be not so much concerned about what you do, but what you do, do with all your heart, might, and strength. In thoroughness is satisfaction.
* You want to be good and to do good. That is commendable. But the greatest achievement that can be reached in our lives is to be under the complete influence of the Holy Ghost. Then he will teach us what is really good and necessary to do.
* The pain of sacrifice lasts only one moment. It is the fear of the pain of sacrifice that makes you hesitate to do it.
* Be grateful for every opportunity to serve. It helps you more than those you serve.
* And finally, when you are compelled to give up something or when things that are dear to you are withdrawn from you, know that this is your lesson to be learned right now. But know also that, as you are learning this lesson, God wants to give you something better.
I think at this time it seems appropriate to ask the question "Do I really think it's possible for us, as human beings, to be always, in a complete way, under the influence of the Holy Spirit?" My answer is without hesitation, "No, it is not." It is not given to us to live in this world and to be without sin. Created by God in a spiritual body, but living with a body of flesh and bone in this un-exalted and fallen state, we become polluted. We will not always be able to understand and comprehend the sinister plans of the adversary in his fight to destroy us and to make us as miserable as he is. But when we are constantly aware of this fight and we let the Light of Christ help us stand in our responsibilities, we may be able to stay on this narrow path where we will see, with clarity, that we are lost without the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. Although it is not possible to be perfect as long as we are in this earthly state, we still have to be perfect in keeping the commandments of our covenants. We are assisted in this situation by our living prophets, who suggest to us to have, at least once a year, an interview with our bishop. During this interview we can establish that we are in harmony with the covenants we have made with the living God. When we are in such a way perfected and are eligible to go in his holy house, the temple, we have the promise that Jesus Christ will take upon him the rest and we can rejoice in being cleansed through his redeeming blood every day of our lives. Our soul will sing to the praise of his name, and our hearts will be so full that we cannot be quiet but will share and testify of the reality of this work and the power in it.
Thus, we prepare all the days of our lives, and, as we grow, death loses its sting, hell loses its power, and we look forward to that day with anticipation and joy when he will come in his glory.


Hermanas: Torres and Jensen

Buenos Aires Temple



Rocio and Ayelen (center)


Sept 16 Tenny sent me a dearelder letter and likened the time of a mission to how many Fast Sundays I have left. I liked it--I think I have 13! It is so weird to think of the mission in that way...like how many more; trips to the temple, transfers, interviews with the president, areas, companions... and of course, baptisms. Speaking of BAPTISMS... Rocio and Ayelen were baptized and confirmed this past weekend and it was a really great experience.
The transfer ends on the 28th and there is talk that I might get a mini missionary companion-- which means a 20 year old Argentine woman who would serve with me, but not as a real missionary. In case you were wondering, that prospect scares me to death. Ím so not ready to be senior companion and definitely not ready to more or less train. Holy Cow, Ím hoping for an American senior companion so that I can enjoy 6 blessed weeks of being understood, there is just nothing like being able to default to your native language when you need to resolve something important like who is going to confirm somebody, in what ward, and who is going to fill out all the paper work and to whom they have to be turned in to and stuff like that.


I have the hardest time navigating in this country because there are no mountains. I would give anything to have, like this perfect inner compass that would direct me like the Liahona-- not only to where our appointments are, but to the elect at the same time!
Ím grinning because Air Supply, "Ím all our of love" is playing in the Locutorio here and it reminds me of being in Monticello belting Air Supply with Shauna. I miss her, but I got a letter from her this week!

The people here dońt know what gravy is. But my companion got a packet in a care package from one of her earlier American companions and today we are going to have mashed potatoes and gravy! She is excited to taste it, but I wouldńt be one bit surprised if she doesńt like it... hehe, more for me...

I eat lots of mandarinas (I guess that would be mandarin oranges) and theýre dirt cheap here. I can get about four and a half pounds of mandarinas for a little over a U.S. dollar. Can you believe that?

Ziploc bags are super hard to find here and so expensive! Daddy - VAMOS PUMAS! (Go Cougs!) I cannot even explain how proud I am that we shut out the Bruins (or whatever, my sports lingo is slipping... much to my chagrin) I would have given my Coco Alfajor to have seen that game. I cańt believe that this is the same team that I drove all the was to CA to watch the Cougars lose to last summer. But what matters is that this time we got it done. 59- zip... MAN! That is my team!

We can only listen to hymns, primary songs, and the mission cds. The mission has 3 cds now with EFY (Especially for Youth) songs that have been approved and Motab (Mormon Tabernacle Choir). So about 8 of the 35 albums I have on my ipod are kosher, but it is way better than nothing!
This is funny: when we stop by to teach people instead of saying they have company they say "estoy con gente" which translates to "Ím with people" it just makes me laugh because it sounds so brazen to me, but to them it's nothing. But every time I hear them say this I almost laugh.

We have a new investigator, but this time hés for real! He reminds me of Grandpa Olson and I think he's great. His name is Raul. He looks and talks just like him. He has read the entire Book of Mormon and said that this is the last religion he had to investigate. We contacted him in his yard and he tried to reject us, but my companion persisted and before you know it we were teaching the restoration, we came back two days later, taught again, committed him to come to church the next day, he showed up in a suit with a tie and stayed for all 3 hours and commented in classes. I almost cried during Sacrament. We taught him again the next day and committed him to be baptized on the 18th of October. His wife is depressed and kind of bed-ridden, but wére going back tomorrow and hopefully we will teach her too. He was so ready, he said he knew we were going to ask him to be baptized and he said "yeah, therés no problem with that" meaning getting baptized! Can you believe that? Finally... I can see the vision. I came to find these people. Where are all the Rauls in the world? Ím here to find them! He is so awesome, for our last appointment he was waiting for us in his front yard with the dogs already locked up, the keys in his hand, and the chairs placed in the living room for us! He is incredible and I cannot wait to watch him progress week by week until he is baptized and then continue progressing. He is a doctrinal connoisseur... and reminds me so much of my dear Grandpa Olson. I just know that they will be friends in the eternities! Íll introduce them!

Gotta go, I cańt believe how quickly an hour of internet flies by. Pray for me to always have the Spirit, it is what I want more than anything!
Hermana Jensen
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Sept 23, 2008

I was almost run over by a colectivo today… literally, not hit, run over. I was standing in the street right next to the curb because we were going to cross, but then we didn´t. Suddenly my comp said “careful!” and I stepped back up onto the curb and continued backing up onto the sidewalk as I watched a giant colectivo whose back tires jumped the curb and turned right and drove exactly over the place I had just been standing! Wow…

We have transfer meeting next Monday, so you´ll find out in the next email who my new comp is and all that jazz. Please pray for me to accept whatever comes. I sure am!

Raul is amazing! We gave him a March Ensign… the one with Christ and the velum cover and he read the entire thing in 24 hours and even looked up the scripture references! He´s so excited to get his triplet that we already bought him and he´s just going to love the D&C (Doctrine and Covenants), also he was progressing so much that we moved his baptismal date forward a week, so now he´s getting baptized the 11th of October. The Mission President changed the rule about assistance for baptism and now it´s 3 times minimum for everybody (before it was 4 times for individuals and 2 times for families) I´m way happy and hope that we can bring more people to baptism!

I love you and miss you and pray for you every day. Ím glad you all are studying within your companionships every day and I promise you that you will be blessed for doing so!
I love you tons!

Hermana Jensen

September 12, 2008

Hermana Jensen's Testimony

LA IGLESIA DE
JESUCRISTO
DE LOS SANTOS
DE LOS ULTIMOS DIAS
MISION ARGENTINA
BUENOS AIRES OESTE
Ballesteros 1076
1704 Ramos Mejia
Buenos Aires - Argentina
1 agosto 2008
Mis Queridos Padres,
I simply cannot find the words in English or in Spanish to express the joy that I feel. I am so blessed to have the incredible opportunity to serve as a missionary. There is such power in this work. We need help, we pray for guidance, and we literally see miracles. The Lord loves His missionaries and I feel His love more so now than I have ever felt in my entire life.
I could try to tell you how happy I am, but for the most beautiful gifts and blessings we receive sometimes words just aren't enough. Please remember now and always that I know my Savior lives. He lifts me up and carries me when I feel like I can't take one more step. He is here, right by my side - even though I can't see Him...I can feel His love.
My love for my family is more than I can contain. Every time I see something new, every time I taste something delicious, I wish that I could share it with you. I feel like this must be how Lehi felt when he saw the tree of life. I want to share this mission with you. I know that I am here because of the things you taught me and because of the example you set for me. It's easy to choose the right when you know it's what your parents would do.
My goal is to make you proud...my earthly parents, and also my Heavenly Parents...to make them proud so that one day I will be able to return and live with Them and you forever!
I know with all my heart and soul that Jesus is the Christ. He redeemed me and you. He is the way, the truth, and the life. I will serve Him all my days!
Love,
Hermana Stacey Jensen

September 11, 2008

Argentine Commuters Torch Trains

Here is Stacey's response to my question of whether she ever feels unsafe. The timing was great in light of the recent riot in Castelar:

Do I ever feel unsafe? Actually yes, but never to the point that Ím really scared. I know the Lord will protect us and warn us if we need to get out of where we are. As a matter of fact He did this week. Íll explain in a sec, but as far as when I feel unsafe... it's when we run into or pass by men who are drinking, but dońt worry, we are really careful and walk with a purpose... meaning we try not to look like targets.
As far as the adventure and us being "warned" this week, you should see if you can find some info in English on the internet about the riot that took place in my area! Riot in Castellano is alboroto and what happened was that there was a problem with the train either in Merlo or somewhere, but by the time it arrived to Castelar (where we board), the people were so angry because they were all 2 hours late for work, and they started throwing rocks at the train and broke all the windows and then they set it on fire! That will surely accomplish something... now we have one fewer train to take! Anyway, what happened was, I was waiting ever so patiently for Hermana Munos (we were on divisions and I stayed in Castelar with another companion) and she had to gather her stuff and it was taking a long time. I was worried because we were supposed to have walked out the door about 7 minutes earlier, but it turned out to be a miracle because at 10:40 ish we got an urgent call from our Zone Leaders exclaiming, "dońt leave the pension!" We thought they were joking, but then Elder Lopez told us that there was a riot at the train station about 8 or 10 blocks from where we live. The funny thing is if we had left when we were supposed to - we wouldńt have known NOT to go to the train station as planned to switch back to our regular companionships in Haedo and we would have been caught up in it. The Lord protected us and we did get the call, rearranged the division and walked to Moron where we reunited with our companions. If you can find anything about the riot, I would actually be interested to know, because we just got bits and pieces of details... I think some teenagers cut the wires of the train or set a pretend bomb off or something... Íd probably know more if I spoke the language, but all I know is that something went wrong and they burned the train.




BBC News - Commuters in Argentina have set fire to two trains amid anger over delays.
Passengers torched the trains at stations outside Buenos Aires, saying the delay was costing them a day's pay. Police used tear gas and rubber bullets to break up the protests, which the government said had been planned by militant members of the Workers Party.
The party rejected this, saying officials were trying to minimise legitimate protests over problems with public transport. The trouble erupted after a train broke down on the line.
Angry commuters at the station of Merlo, in the western outskirts of the capital, set fire to several train carriages. At another station, Castelar, a crowd set fire to another train, damaging a carriage. Protesters also threw stones at the ticket office and blocked the lines.
Justice Minister Anibal Fernandez said the faulty train had been sabotaged and left-wing activists had started the violence. "This was planned, it was premeditated," Mr Fernandez said.
About a dozen people were arrested. Argentina's railway network suffers frequent delays and commuters' anger has led to violence before.


Baptismal Program

It's a party!

Life is so good!

"Called to Serve" video link

This is very touching to all and especially to those with missionaries who have served or are serving at this time...
Featuring the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and
Orchestra at Temple Square

September 2, 2008

Umbrellas and Cracked Heels


Family!
First off, thanks for answering all my questions and sending me the conversion charts for Celsius vs. Fahrenheit and kilos vs. pounds.

No I have not gotten the package... you´d know if I had! I´d be thanking you left and right. I´ll let you know when it arrives.

Go BYU, but for heaven´s sake, make me proud--winning isn´t so grand if it wasn´t a victory that we earned by playing hard.

Nata - remember all those clapping contests we had? Well, it´s finally paying off because I can clap so loud! It´s great because that´s how you "knock doors" here. Everything is gated and fenced and locked and so the way you get people to come to the door is to stand outside it and clap. I think I already explained all of this , but yeah, it´s great that my big sis motivated me to learn to clap well!

Also, thanks for the dearelder letter you sent me about my birthday and being in a different country. You´re right... I´m beginning to feel so proud to be bi-cultural, but I haven´t got it down just right yet. I almost had a panic attack buying food today because I didn´t understand that "para llevar" meant "to go" ... luckily my companion helped me out. LOL!

I would like to let you all know that my heels are becoming what seems to be permanently black. They started out kind of bloody and red, but now they are definitely black. The skin is hard and almost calloused and cracked and not that pretty, but it proves that I walk a lot! Also the soles of my feet are so hard... they don´t crack, but I feel like I´m wearing shoes when I´m walking around our pension barefoot. It´s trippy.

Sadly, Lorenzo is struggling. His current church told him that there couldn´t be any more scripture, so he threw his Book of Mormon away! I was so sad. When he told us about it during a lesson my companion was well prepared. First she had him read 6 different scriptures in the Bible that talk about scriptures and books and other things the Bible doesn't have to help him see that there have been many scriptures lost and that more was written. Then we went to 2 Nephi 29 and read the entire chapter out loud and explained the point about, "a bible, we´ve already got a bible and we need no more Bible", and how it isn't true because we are still His children and He remembers all of the nations of the earth. Because of this we will receive more of His word, and that just because He has spoken one word doesn't mean He cannot speak another, that His work with us isn't done. I was so grateful that she was so quick and ready. Then we told him about "other sheep" just like in John and I found the same reference that clarifies that the other sheep are the people in the Book of Mormon, and we read 3 Nephi 15:17,21. It felt good that we were able to help him understand. It ended with him being quite open to the idea that the Book of Mormon could also be the word of God and he told us that he wanted another one and that he wouldn´t throw it away.

And, we do have hope of finding a family to teach! One day we did a street contact with an 18 year old girl while we were waiting for the colective in the rain. We talked to her on the colective and we all got off at the same station and her umbrella wouldn´t open. So we all huddled under my giant umbrella (which I LOVE), and finally got hers opened. We stopped by her house a few days later and taught her, her mom, and her 2 little sisters. We set up a return appointment for 2 days later and taught her, her mom, and her older sister (her 2 younger sisters were at school), we set up another appointment for tomorrow and we hope to set up a Noche de Hogar (Family Home Evening) in which we can meet the dad and teach the entire family! They had already been contacted by the sister missionaries here about 9 months ago. They already had a Book of Mormon, but hadn´t ever progressed. Hopefully now is their time. Family Sandes... I´d love to tell the story of the family that we found because we were doing contacts in the rain and her umbrella wouldn't open!

I carry one of the BYU family pictures, and the one you sent me that you took on the grass the day Davy was blessed and show them to members whenever they ask about my family. They are all way impressed with the thick and beautiful grass in the latter picture... the grass here is not like that at all. You can´t even sit on it because you´d get dirt all over your clothes because the grass it is so thin!

Okay, gotta run...I love you all so much!

Chao,
Hermana Jensen