What e'er thou art, act well thy part

Well it's been a little bit of a slower week but it's been a pretty good week. First things first:

I really do love and miss you all though. =)

Monday I got significant hair reduction surgery. I went to Elder B as we couldn't find a good hair cutting place in town. Elder B offered to do it for free so I accepted. I just wanted a trim but I sat down in the chair. I knew it was going to be a little rough when he started cutting without asking me how much I wanted to keep. It was a much needed haircut though. Sister B even gave me some delicious cheddar broccoli soup which was really nice. We did the usual shopping, cleaning, and I got a bit done.

Tuesday district meeting went pretty good. I thought it was the best one yet. I tried to make it as powerful, testimony filled as possible while still giving people a chance to answer questions and stay relevant to what they try to do. We did a role play at the end that was kinda funny even though I wasn't intended to be. It was specifically for P who has some trouble utilizing member present lessons. We as missionaries are told repeatedly that members at lessons are really important. Their problem is that members want to come but the members take over and go off on weird tangents. Elder Y pretended to be one of their members and Elder L and I role played preparing a member for the lesson. It was going good until we got to the lesson part of the role play. Elder Y did a great job role playing- perhaps too good of a job. He would tell me to explain things better and would say things like "He doesn't understand, explain it again". It was just an interesting role play. We got back to Madison and had lunch. Anyway, we did some biking that day which was nice but it wore me out pretty good. The sad part was our appointments fell through so we biked back. I decided to do some McDonald's as we had got some coupons in the mail. I got a frozen cherry Slurpee type thing which they were all out of. The cashier was really nice and gave me an upgrade to a smoothie. I had a pineapple one which was pretty good.

Wednesday we did much service. It wore me out pretty good. Our next door neighbor is sister B- very sweet lady. Missionaries have been cutting her lawn for years (it's not that big). She even has two lawn mowers- one for me and one for Elder F. I took the back yard and it looked really nice when we were finally done. We showered and had a quick lunch. We grabbed Brother B (also a really cool member) and went to G's. She wasn't feeling well but we talked to her husband mostly about stuff. Brother B really helped since he knows many of the people here in Madison. We visited a few more people and dropped off Brother B. We mowed Brother D's back yard for him (it was about my knee high or taller) and luckily it only took about 15-20 minutes. We had a short meeting with Elder B and discussed some upcoming events and how we were going to coordinate that. It was surprisingly effective. We were able to play some basketball with the youth as we had about 20 minutes till our next appointment and we couldn't think of any one to see in that short of a time (Elder F really really enjoys spending time with the youth). The hoop was only 7 or 8 feet tall so I was kinda cheap and dunked it a few times. The only problem was my shirt just kept coming un-tucked. It was still pretty fun and the youth did a great job of making it fun and helping everyone to get a chance to have the ball. We had a good lesson with R and R. Mostly about the purpose of life and the Word of Wisdom. They're doing great and already had most of the answers. We just needed to help them put the pieces together. R is so funny. We had come just come in and we were talking before we had the lesson and somehow we got on our lives and R began to guess how out lives would turn out. Then he read his palm to figure out how long we would each live. Turns out I'm going to live to 90 something. =)

Thursday we began by going to visit someone who is available really only on Thursday mornings- right during weekly planning. We decided to give her one more chance (she wasn't there the last few times) and she was there. She got called in to go help someone and asked us to come back. We were headed back to the apartment for lunch and weekly planning when we got a call from Elder B informing us they needed our help moving one of the families they've been working with. There would also be pizza involved. We got into service clothes and we drove out to Lee to help out the T's. On the way, I saw a lawn mower at the gas station which was kinda funny.

They were very nice and we helped clean up their new house in preparation for them to move in. We had Hungry Howie's pizza (it's like Little Caesars sort of but tastes better, has different types of flavored crust, and it slightly more expensive- $6 instead of $5). We did a lot of other stuff and visited more people.

Friday we finished Weekly Planning. During which Elder F saw a gnat on the window. He smacked it with his preach my gospel and the whole window broke. It was old 60's single pan) but it was still very surprising. We taped it up pretty good though.

We had another lesson with R and R. It was on the Atonement and was one of the most powerful we've ever had with them. Elder F said he even had tears in his eyes. They were both very tired though. It still went pretty good.

Saturday began different. Usually for exercise I jog in place while Elder F often stretches. We got out and ran! It felt pretty good.

Sunday was Fast Sunday and there were some wonderful testimony's. The best part was having R and R there. We also got J C there! He's a man in an assisted living facility. He hasn't been to church since he was about 14 (he's 60 something) but he had a stroke about a year ago and became much more open to missionaries and the church. He's on a good path and it's really cool to see how he's a little happier every time we go over there. He wanted to come to church so we told him we'd do our best. After some complications with the rest home, we checked him out. The branch president and Elder B went with us to help him out of his wheelchair (he really can't move all that well) and into the back of the B's car. We figured we'd take him home after Sacrament but he wanted to stay for all three hours. It was really cool to have him there. =)

How grateful I am that the Spirit leads this work.

I love and miss you all.

Elder Matthew Carlson

Full Time, Not Most Time

Whew! This week has been interesting and I'm not really all that tired (I did get to bed half an hour early last night). So I'm grateful.

Anyway- first things first.

Last Monday was kind of laid back. I did get some good stuff done. Laundry, polished shoes, write a letter, shopping, wash the car (really just toweled off- that wax did something amazing to the car), and eat pizza from the Pizza Hut buffet. Sister P took us there for lunch. She's from Minnesota and has an awesome accent. We also met G (the First Baptist pastor) who was very nice. He had more questions about food storage and it was funny to see him there (plus he's pretty funny). We had dinner at the F's and I had some of the most tender pork I've every had in my entire life. You could not pick it up with a fork- it would just fall apart. They also had this sweet cream corn that had been cooking for a long time and was so good. They're farmers and many of the foods (like the corn) was grown on-site. It was a fun evening.

Tuesday was district meeting and our activity. Once a transfer we're allowed to do something together as a district (like lunch after the meeting) so we had a cookout. Hot dogs and home made french fries. It was really good but I ate a lot! Elder B makes home made french fries in this giant deep fryer! I'll have to take a picture of it sometime.

Wednesday was an interesting day. Elder B, Elder F, and I all went out to C's and had a lesson about the plan of salvation. It was interesting. She's a really nice lady and is very Polish-Catholic but she is curious and reading the Book of Mormon. We really focused on reading and praying to know for herself. We came home for lunch and found a large pile of boxes outside our doorstep. Thank you for the pictures! Elder F really enjoyed the new bike tire you sent- or rather, he enjoyed the box.

Yes, he's in there

Anyway- we had some other visits and ran out of our plans. We tried a few other things but things just kept falling through so we decided to stop by and see G at First Baptist. We actually had a really good chat with him- not particularly effective but the best discussion I've ever had with a pastor by far. We all shared our various stories of how we came to our respective faith in Christ and talked about all sorts of things: the millienum, food storage, the Book of Mormon, and other topics. He was very nice and funny and never bashed or argued with us. It was just a nice visit. He invited us over to his house for dinner as well as on a canoeing ride. We explained the no-private-boat rule which he was kinda bummed out about. He later texted us that night "I'm logging a protest on the whole private boat rule. Jesus himself even preached from a boat! Who do I call in Utah?" We explained that we would have to talk to President Jensen to see if we could give out his phone number which he was respectful of. He then texted us this "(read this out loud in a town-cryer "or-ye or-ye" type voice.) OH GREAT LORD WE DOTH BESEECH THEE TO ALLOW MY FRIENDS SCOTT AND BENJAMEN TO TRAVEL DOWN-OLD-MAN RIVER WHILST RESIDING COMFORTABLE IN A BOAT PURCHASED ON CRAIGSLIST LAST YEAR BY G!" I thought it was pretty funny. He even invited President Jensen as long as he brought his own boat. G's can only hold three people.

Thursday was mostly weekly planning and we had dinner with the R's. It was a fun night and we played this little game with the R's that I'll have to show ya'll when I get back. It's called the wallaby game and it consists of telling funny stories and having people figure out who is the wallaby.

Friday most of everything fell through. It was kind of discouraging but we did schedule times with people who we've been trying to work with.

Conference was amazing! I really enjoyed it and hope that you did as well. I came away with a desire to be a better disciple of Christ and had some specific ways to do that. There was a fun ice cream social right before the priesthood session and all 12 of us (there was a few missing) enjoyed copious amounts of ice cream. Disregarding the large amount of ice cream (constituted of vanilla bean, strawberry, and chocolate) I had already consumed. I had a root beer float (it was tradition). I had to use cream soda but it was still good. I almost couldn't wait on Saturday for Monday to roll around. I was so curious to know where Michael was headed! Elder F and I talked about various possibilities such as Bolivia, Canada, Germany, and the FTM (that would have been interesting).

We went to the T's for lunch on Sunday and enjoyed country fried steak with gravy and candied pecans. It was delicious.

These past weeks I had been praying for a greater desire and enthusiasm to just get out there and get to work. I felt like I had lost some of my fire or drive- that is not to say that I wasn't getting out and working but I guess wasn't as determined or excited. I was blessed this week to receive that desire and I'm working my way towards being a celestial, 100% dedicated, all-in servant of the Lord. Serving all the time, not most of the time.

Also, it's 2 Nephi 12 not 11 that you need to look at "mountains" and look at it like a word search puzzle. It's kind of neat to find the answer.

Keep climbing those mountains. I love and miss you all and hope you know as I know that this is the work of the Lord. Trust in the feeling of the Spirit since that is what we must rely on when we say "I know".

Elder Matthew Carlson

Baptist Food

Well this week has been an interesting one.

The highlights of the week include (but are not limited to), fried potato sandwiches at the R's, a day with Elder C the Zone Leader from Tallahassee, a service project followed by delicious burgers, getting a new washer and dryer, watching a mission call opening, service and lunch at First Baptist, driving a train, having a barbecue with the leadership and choir of First Baptist, two Easter lunches, and hiding candy.

I don't have much time unfortunately.

Monday we spent at the R's playing guitar, doing laundry, and playing a game of football. We had to stay longer than intended because we had to wait for laundry to come out of the dryer. Dinner was really good- chicken and rice with tomato gravy. The interesting part was the fact it was all cooked by an 11 year old. Cool family.

Tuesday Elder C came and we had a blast! He's pretty cool. We taught many lessons that day and had many laughs.

Wednesday we had a service project at Deerwood Inn and I got to vacuum a pool! It was rather tedious but kinda fun. We got new washer and dryer (which are really nice)

Thursday was largely made up of Weekly Planning. But we did have a good lesson with R ([the other]R wasn't feeling well). It's just fun to teach him because he's so open and so willing to do whatever. He's a great guy.

Friday we were invited to the Good Friday services at First Baptist (the first or second largest church in town). It was interesting. They showed this movie called "Sunday's Coming". You might be able to find it on YouTube. The service was actually quite good and mainly centered around the Savior on the cross crying, "My God, my God. Why has thou forsaken me?" The luncheon afterwards was quite good- sandwiches and desserts, that kind of thing. I finally wore through my bike tire. It was getting thin and had started to bulge where it was getting thin and as I was riding along it just blew. It instantly deflated and we walked home. It was kinda funny really.

Saturday we woke up early and helped set up for the branch Easter event. It was at the T's and we made eggs, waffles, and pancakes. It was a fun time. I even got the drive the miniature train on the 500 feet of track on their property.

We were later invited by someone who drove by to a barbecue at his house. We decided to go and were surprised to see all the folks from First Baptist there but we had a really good chat with several people (including the pastor) about all sorts of good things (they actually had pretty good questions). Everything from what a mission entails to the trinity.

Sunday was good as well. We had two lunches and I was so stuffed. I had two heavenly helpings of Banana Pudding which is really good by the way.

But as promised I have more pictures.

I love and miss you all! Please remember the Savior always. We become whatever we think about the most.

Elder Matthew Carlson

Choose What You Love, Love What You Choose

Hello everyone!

It was an interesting week this week. The main problems this week were the lack of car keys. I'll explain in a bit.

Monday was different than most preparation days I've had on the mission in that most of the day was spent at a member's house. As you might remember, our washer and dryer had burnt out and were in a non-functional state. We should be getting a new washer and dryer sometime this week. We needed somewhere to do laundry and the R's agreed. We did laundry over there and to repay them (in a sense) for their kindness we washed and waxed their cars (we had already agreed to do it before we did laundry there). We had washed and waxed our car a few weeks ago and they commented on how good it looked (it did look really good) and asked if we could do the same. Of course we said yes (when are we ever going to say no? Plus the R's are super cool!). We spent most of the day there until it was time to go. I got to play some guitar as well as kick around a soccer ball. We visited some folks but they didn't keep their appointments. We went to the F's for dinner. We had fish, hush-puppies, homemade french fries, grits, and brownies with pecans on top. A true southern meal. It was all very fresh. I watched him grab the fish out of a bucket, gut said fish, and throw it in a cast iron bucket (it was way too big to really be called a pan) and fry it. It was very delicious.

Tuesday added to the interestingness. I went to Perry and spent the day there with Elder Y. We had a pretty good time. They're a bike only area so we did much biking. We decided it would be easier to just have me ride Elder L's bike so we went with that. I survived but looking back, if there is a next time, I'm bringing my bike. Elder F and Elder L were able to set a baptismal date with R and R which was awesome.

On Wednesday we biked around more but no one was home or just didn't answer the door. We had lunch at a Chinese restaurant. Last time Elder Y and I were on a tradeoff, we went to a Chinese restaurant for lunch and we actually ran into a member who asked us to give his wife a blessing (I'm not sure if he was active). So we decided to do it again (I think it might be a tradition now). It was actually pretty good and I really enjoyed their deep-fried zucchini. We were able to meet with some people that we hadn't met with for a long time and I hope we can really get through to them. I think with one of them, a nice young man named J, we really found his one thing (I think there is at least one thing that everyone has that interests them in the restored gospel. You just need to find that one thing). We somehow talked about modern day prophets. He was really interested in that. He was a little doubtful (he's quite educated on his history) but after we explained it, he was more open to it.

Thursday was weekly planning interrupted by various appointments we had. We tried to ride bikes as we are really low on miles this month. We have about 90 left out of our 1050. We'll pull through. We were riding to Brother S's when my back tire got a flat. It was pretty loud but it wasn't an immediate flat. We stopped it and called for a member evac. M showed up and hauled us back to his house. Brother R was kind enough to give me a new tube. We were given a ride to Brother S's and we had a pretty good talk with him. He's kind of less active but he LOVES family history. He gave us a ride back in his truck as it was getting late.

Friday we discovered the car keys to be missing. They were in Elder F's coat which we believed to have been at the R's. So we set off on bikes to do service for Mrs. A and had travelled about 2 miles of the 6 mile journey when my tire started getting really low. We parked and Elder B came to rescue us. We all went to Mrs. A's and pulled down vines. She made us delicious sandwiches with authentic polish mustard (she's polish) that was really good. Plus, Sister B had a really good talk with her while the three of us were working. We got the tube patched (there was glass in the tread. My tread is getting kind of thin on the back tire). We were able to visit R and R which was fantastic! They even threatened to adopt Elder F. They really like us. It was funny. They were glad to see me again. Elder L had been with Elder F and visited them on Tuesday during the tradeoff. "Good, he's back [meaning me]." Elder F commented "Elder L was pretty good, right?" R sat back and said "Yeah... but he's DIFFERENT!" They're just super funny. We taught them the pre-mortal life which they really enjoyed. We also taught the Word of Wisdom as we want to get them started on quiting smoking so they can be ready for baptism. It went okay but when we finished we asked if we could take their pack of cigarettes. They aren't ready for that yet. =(

Saturday it rained a lot. I'm ashamed to say that it really hindered missionary work as we only had bikes. We were able to help out Brother T and we were able to see J C who is a less active member who had a stroke. Really nice guy. He has become a little bit happier every time we see him.

Sunday was pretty good. Church was great! I learned much. The talks were good and we had 3 visitors. 2 of them were friends of the youth. Great people. We also attended a funeral as one of the ward members was speaking and we had a delivery to make. The ward members were kind enough to give us a box of Krispy Kreme donuts and they were really good.

I'm kind of out of time. No pictures. Sorry, the computer I'm using doesn't like my card reader. =(

This week I've been thinking much about the importance of living in the moment. It seems as though I spend too much time dwelling on future events, looking forward to them, that I sometime lose sight of what going on right now. I also tend to spend too much time dwelling on the past. In church on Sunday this thought process really came to a point when the concluding speaker (brother T) spoke about living in day tight compartments. It was a good talk and I really enjoyed it. I think I, in particular, would do well to slow down and to see the bouquets on the way to the rose garden. I don't think I can really say it any better than this Mormon Message can.

I love and miss you all! This is worthwhile. The restored gospel changes lives for the better. I know because it's changed mine.

Elder Matthew Carlson

Life Changing But Not Game Changing

I don't have much time.

It's been a crazy awesome week. We went to a funeral at St. James AME Missionary Baptist. It was the closest thing I've ever come to a rock concert. My ears are still recovering. There's a video describing it on the way though.

We also had a third Elder with us this week. He serves on FAMU campus but it was spring break so he needed somewhere to go instead of just sitting around all day. So he came here. We had a BLAST. It was awesome and we got SO much done! He really wants to come back. I miss him. His name is Elder D. Really nice guy.

We also had many miracles this week of just meeting people we were just talking about or trying to visit. We also had R and R come to church. It was awesome. We taught them the Restoration finally (it's been crazy for them). We taught about the First Vision and R had this confused look. "Two personages? But there's one God..." I handed him the painting of first vision in the pamphlet and pointed the the two personages saying "Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ". He stared it for a moment and pointed at Joseph Smith and said, "He got the job!" He looked at me all excited. "When one of them tells you to do somethin' you got the job but when both them tell you- you GOT the job! See- he got the job." It was just an awesome moment.

I love the mission. It's fantastic. Out of time.

I LOVE YOU ALL!

--
Elder Matthew Carlson

A Horchata Master in the Making

Well, the big news of the week was that I finally made Horchata correctly. I tried it once in Daphne but I really just made a mess. All the cinnamon was stripped out of it because I didn't filter it properly. I finally worked up the courage to give it another shot. So I pulled out my mix and began once again and set to work with a few inquisitive looks from Elder F. It turned out fantastic! Even Elder F kinda of liked it (he was a bit suspicious at first).

But hello everyone! On to the meat off the week.

Monday was a really interesting day. The B's (the senior couple) came and we had a coordination meeting. We mostly talked about who will visit who and what we're both working towards. We made sure our apartment was clean and then emailed. After emailing we went back to the apartment to have it inspected. We passed inspection and were happy to get new things! We were given new pans (the Teflon on the old ones was coming off), new chairs, and all sorts of neat things. We even got a candy bar for passing inspection.

Tuesday was a rather interesting day (sorry to be repetitive). We helped out Mr. M- a very nice older gentlemen. He doesn't have really any faith and is agnostic/atheist. His eyes aren't very good and he uses a Victor Reader (a little book reader that's about the size of a first gen iPhone) and it wasn't connecting to his computer. He was telling us that it wasn't working on a previous visit. He asked us if we had any computer skills. Elder F smiled and said "Elder Carlson does!" I told him I would have to ask President Jensen if I could help since we aren't allowed to use computers really. President said yes so we went back and I got to work. I authorized the reader by putting the authorization file on the SD card. But the computer wouldn't recognize the device. The problem was not the reader itself or the SD card within the device. I checked the cable. It was good. The reader would connect to the computer and it would say "connected" in it's pleasant robot voice. The computer would do nothing. I delved into the device manager and looked at the USB connections as well as the hubs figuring it was likely a driver error. I looked and could not even find the device on the list of devices. After some more poking around I was kind of stumped. I turned and asked when the last time his computer had been rebooted. He gave me a rather blank stare. Having discovered the problem, I rebooted the computer and it worked quite well. He was very grateful for our help which made me glad. We visited the G's, a part member family who happens to own a larger greyhound farm. He's a really nice guy but just doesn't see the importance of religion since he's never been to church before (he's had to work on Sundays his whole life). Super nice guy. We're going rather slow, but we're ramping up with questions. We're hoping to get him thinking.

Wednesday was special. We met with a women named G. It turns out she's met with Elders in the past and has a Book of Mormon. We told her about eternal families and she seemed more interested after that. This time she didn't have much time but we talked about opposition and how this message is true and it can bless her life. Every time we share some truth with her it's cool to see her face. She makes this expression and you can see the light bulb coming on. We said a prayer and I offered to say it. It wasn't a very complicated or eloquent prayer but after we finished I asked her if we could come back and read the Book of Mormon with her and help her understand it as she had said she didn't really understand what she had read. As I was talking I noticed the large tears running down her face. It struck me. I had been thinking of my simple prayer as nothing special but I guess something in there was meaningful. It was a lesson to me indeed.

Thursday was zone conference in Tallahassee. It was a wonderful experience and I learned tons. As usual President asked who would be performing talent. I hadn't planned or prepared so I didn't raise my hand. We were eating lunch and President Jensen sat at the same table as me. He asked me a question and something reminded him. "You have that one song you did a few zone conferences back, right?" He was referring to the Unicorn song. I nodded my head and affirmed the recollection. "Good. You're doing that." I did the song with an air guitar and it was pretty funny. The conference took up most of the day though. Especially since we drove the Perry Elders home (they don't have a car).

Friday we studied with J R in the morning (he comes over and studies with us). We took care of weekly planning and went to Burger King. Mostly because it was J's first day working there and partly because it's the south. Here in the south, you can take a church bulletin into burger king and they give you a free ice cream cone. It was delicious. I sat and licked my ice cream waiting as J was getting off in a few minutes. We went over to the R's for dinner. They made us Columbian hot dogs (Sis Robinson is from Columbia). They had pineapple and crushed Lay's chips on them which was strange but strangely good. I also had a Coke. (Sister R insisted: You have to have a Coke elder! Columbian hot dog without a coke?)

Saturday was the day of service. We helped out at a thrift shop, raked a yard, and tore down vines. It was a busy day. We also got in contact with a wonderful family who really has some potential but have had some rough times lately. They're super funny and really like us as well as the church.

Sunday was branch conference and Perry branch came. There was a delicious pot luck after.

I'm out of time! I'm doing pretty good and I love y'all!

--
Elder Matthew Carlson

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bushell

Dearest Momsie and Popsicle,

There's been some good stuff over here at Madison. But of course I'll rise above it, because I know that's how you want me to respond. [lines from one of our favorite plays, 'Wicked']

Haha. =)

I've been warming up to Madison greatly! I like it much more than I did when I first came. I think every area is that way. Elder F is a good guy and I really like him. He has a good testimony and a big desire to get out there and work which is great! He's a little goofy and is a night person. It's funny really, as the day goes on he gets more and more talkative. I'm more of a morning person whereas he is not. It's just funny. At least, I think it is.

Monday was interesting as we emailed at the NFCC (North Florida Community College). It was/is a very nice library (I'm in it now). We got our groceries from Harvey's. I'm not so much a fan. I'm excited for when Winco and I can meet once again in a joyous shopping reunion. =) Harvey's is just more expensive than normal. Elder F noticed the Blue Bell Ice cream was on sale 3 for $13. That put each one at $4.50 or so. Usually they're about $6 normally and $7 or $8 at Harvey's. So he bought 3 half gallon tubs of ice cream that is delicious (he lets me have some from time to time). =) Blue Bell is the best ice cream you can get from the store down here in the south.

Tuesday was a new experience for me as we had district meeting in Perry. I'm the district leader so I had to conduct it. For my first one ever- it went pretty well. We talked about helping people become interested by teaching the first two points of lesson one; God Is Our Loving Heavenly Father and The Gospel Blesses Families. We did good things that day. We made contact with people but we didn't really get any amazing progress. Elder F called it the day of first downs but no touchdowns.

Wednesday was a fairly average day. We did get some stuff done and taught some lessons. We had the missionary coordination meeting that night which was quite productive. Assignments were followed up on and new ones were made. Issues were resolved. We did get off on a few tangents but it worked out. Unfortunately I didn't really know who they were talking about so I tried to stay focused and follow along but I was lost fairly quickly.

Thursday: the highlights were that we had weekly planning and we helped J pressure wash the church sidewalks for a bit. Super cool kid. I don't think I would have ever decided to spend all day pressure washing the church sidewalks by myself when I was 13.

Friday we had a miracle. It was pretty neat. Everything was falling through. We were a little discouraged. We went to someone's house that we figured we would try once more. We parked, got out, and someone pulled up. Elder F got all excited and started talking to them. It turned out that two former investigators had just showed up. They had moved and gotten a new phone number so the Elders had lost contact with them. We exchanged info and set something up with them. It was rather exciting. =)

The bird in the picture:

Elder F found it as we were walking around Lake Francis (a very nice lake in Madison that we walk around and talk to people fishing. It's also a very relaxing walk). It was just kind of sitting in the road. It was very cold that day so we put it in a tree so it wouldn't get run over or freeze to death.

Saturday and Sunday: very nice as well. I'm out of time. The branch had about 60 people there which was nice (just about average I'm told).

This is our car port and our beautiful Corolla. It rained a lot this week and it was pretty crazy.

Quick message!

The world today thinks of hope as more as a possibility rather than a sure definite thing. It's an uncertainty when the scriptures speak of hope in a much different sense. To quote President Jensen:

"Hope drives us to know our effort is worth all we can offer. By hope we can forget our past and look only to the future. Hope allows us to know we are not alone and that our path is prepared for us. It is hope that permits us to know we'll be compensated for everything we suffer. Hope is not a wish, hope is a certainty."

"Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world" - Ether 12:4

I love and miss yall!

--
Elder Matthew Carlson