- Home
- Elder Jared Roundy
- Letters
- Semana Cuatro - Highs and Lows, that's the way it goes! 🙂🙁😎😅😁😑
Semana Cuatro - Highs and Lows, that's the way it goes! 🙂🙁😎😅😁😑
Date
March 10, 2021
Area
HMTC
Companion
Elder Rasmussen
Semana Cuatro - Highs and Lows, that's the way it goes! 🙂🙁😎😅😁😑
URGENT ANNOUNCEMENT!
Do you guys prefer me doing a LONG, detailed email, or would you rather have a SHORT, simpler email? As much as I love giving all the details of my life, I also know many people probably skip the emails because they don't want to read it all. PLEASE respond to this email with either "SHORT" or "LONG" so I can know what to do in the future!
PREVIOUSLY, on THE LIFE OF ELDER ROUNDY...
(skip if you read my last email)
Last week I dealt with increasing expectations, higher amounts of work, and the passing of a very dear friend of mine. All of this nearly knocked me over, were it not for the rest I had on Sunday that allowed me to clear my head. My relationship with my companion and my district has improved continually, and things are once more looking up!
AND NOW, the STORY of THIS WEEK...
Thursday ~ March 4th
Summary: Spiritual Sensation! 😊😌
Details:
Today was epic! I still am struggling to find time and energy to exercise, but I got up, got ready, ate breakfast, and studied ALL before class!
Class went very smoothly, and I learned a lot. Things are getting harder, but not too hard.
After morning class, I had lunch, practiced guitar for the first time in a while, and worked on the Preach My Gospel lesson principles. I got all of Lesson 1 down, and part of Lesson 2!
For companion study today, me and Elder Rasmussen studied Alma 36, and that really hit me in the Spirit. I felt so uplifted and strong, and ready to face the rest of the day!
In evening class, Elder Holmes gave an amazing spiritual lesson about Alma 36, and I almost cried because I felt so spiritually awesome. The rest of the class with Hermana Moreno was good as well! We split into groups and practiced discussions and lessons in Spanish. I did pretty alright, I'd say!
The rest of the day was pretty normal, but probably the best part was finally feeling some SERIOUS SPIRIT! I've been too distracted and confused to feel it, but all I had to do was reach out and TAKE it.
Oh yeah, I also wrote my last week's email today, since I was a bit behind.
SPIRITUAL THOUGHT - Have you ever felt to sing the song of redeeming love? Can you feel so now?
Friday ~ March 5th
Summary: You knock me down, but I get up! 😵➡😁
Details:
Today I woke up and totally RUINED my morning routine. I've been so tired lately, I just crashed and slept in till the last second. I got dressed, no shower or anything, and just hopped on class.
Classes were okay, but a little discombobulated. I don't feel nearly as spiritually or physically energized.
After morning class, I exercised, studied, showered, and basically did everything I wish I did in the morning! Now THAT felt good. I got myself right on track, and studied through Lessons 1, 2, and 3 of the Preach My Gospel principles, essentially memorizing them with my mom!
In Hermana Moreno's class, we received an interesting lecture about the importance of not sharing content with the class that wasn't explicitly endorsed and created by the church. Some of the missionaries had been sharing other uplifting videos that weren't necessarily about Christ and His gospel. I feel like the reminder was probably necessary, but was definitely a little jarring.
Anyhow, I'm learning to be more in-tune with the Spirit, and I know that it starts with dropping distractions, sleeping sooner, and scheduling my stuff!
SPIRITUAL THOUGHT - You cannot live spiritually hungry and expect to feel full. FEAST on the words of Christ!
Saturday ~ March 6th
Summary: Spanish Lessons, Spanish Blessin's! 😅😇
Details:
Today I skipped exercise again, but instead of worrying about it, I just got to work on the item of my schedule I was supposed to be doing at that time! This mentality allowed me to get everything else done in the morning and sit down in class with plenty of time to spare!
Morning class I was very focused, and diligent, and things went very well! We had two different Spanish speaking volunteers come to class for me and Rasmussen to teach, which were Heidy: an Uruguayan lady living in Fort Worth TEXAS who teaches Spanish to Freshmen and is bilingual, as well as Braeden, who lives in Arizona and is a native English speaker who learned Spanish on his mission! Turns out Braeden was Hermano Castaneda's companion! Honestly, we were so relaxed when both of our teaching sessions were with bilingual people, and we actually had prayed for bilingual people before the session even began, so, prayers answered!
During lunch break, I practiced the Preach My Gospel principles with my mom, and we got ALL FIVE DOWN!!!
Then from 1-2pm I did vocab practice with Elder Rasmussen, and thanks to us working together, we BOTH had our words down when the teacher tested us in evening class.
Also, in evening class, Hermana Moreno posed as the non-member "Jessica" that she wanted us to teach, and we had to teach her in Spanish. "Jessica" wasn't ready to hear the lesson we had planned, so we had to adapt and switch lesson plans halfway through, which Hermana Moreno was really impressed by!
After class, I ate my dinner and was doing my routine when the family began watching the new Superman and Lois show. It sounds super cool, and I'm so happy they get to watch stuff, but it definitely feels different being on the missionary side of things and going to bed early while they watch.
SPIRITUAL THOUGHT - To start choosing the right thing when you're tired and groggy is super HARD! I need to SEEK opportunities to use my agency and go out of the way to do those extra-mile things. Establishing this goal will help me get my life on track!
Sunday ~ March 7th
Summary: Stake Conference and an AWESOME EVENT! 😁🍪🍰
Details:
Today I got up at like 7:30 after snoozing my alarms for over an hour. I got up, showered, dressed, ate, and prayed with plenty of time since I have no classes on Sunday! Then I watched Stake Conference with my family! Here are some notes:
Stake President:
-If we study the Book of Mormon EVERY DAY, we will make better decisions EVERY DAY.
-Gathering Israel is about gathering those who WANT to let God prevail in their lives.
-God has promised to fight all our battles so long as we fully submit to His will.
-God endows us with knowledge and power as we draw nearer to Him.
Bryson Brown:
-Missionary work is about bringing souls to Christ
-Without the Spirit, there is no missionary work.
Sister Eriza:
-After many lessons, many follow-ups, many invitations, and more, she finally CHOSE to be baptized. Never give up.
-Do we really see just how much God cares for us?
President Dailey:
-Coveting CAN be desiring to keep something that you already have, but are supposed to give up to God.
-Temporal means TEMPORARY
-"Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that which leadeth to eternal life"
-"If we are to be set apart from the world, why do we do so much of what they do?" - a non-member friend of Sister Dailey
-What bobbles of passing value are keeping me from being fully engaged in the work of God?
Sister Temple Worker:
-Learning of Christ, follow Him, and find JOY.
-Look forward to the future with JOYful anticipation!
-"Be of good cheer" is a commandment of Christ.
Brother Temple Worker:
-Why does God allow people to die?
-Our life is a plan of HAPPYness.
-Why am I "all in" to the gospel? Am I?
Brother Ochoa:
-Follow your leaders!
-Leadership is built in humility, speaking from the heart.
-"Tell me who you hang out with, and I'll tell you who you are." - old Spanish saying
-Hope is the last thing that perishes.
-Tribulation leads to patience which leads to experience which leads to HOPE
-Thrust in your sickle with all your SOUL!
-We learn through pushing through unwanted things!
-Set a lofty goal, then write all the little steps in-between
-Count your blessings! ALL of them
-Live the gospel! Sacrament, prayer, Holy Ghost, scriptures
-Share your life! Share your blessings, interests, talents, and time
After church, I had FHE with my district. Elder Rasmussen shared a nice spiritual message about growth and culture, and then we played a game I invented based on another game. The game essentially was where two people are given a prompt, such as "Champion of Prophet-length beards" and then they have to draw an image that best fits that prompt. Whichever image is voted on more wins! This went on for a while until all the drawing went super crazy, but we had a good time!
Then I went over to my grandparent's house and we set up for the open house farewell event.
So many PEOPLE came to see my leave! It was a very nice experience, and I enjoyed getting to say goodbye from all these people one last time. I DEFINITELY had too many treats, though.
SPIRITUAL THOUGHT - Exact obedience brings MIRACLES. Faith is NOT following the easily understood. Faith is accepting the mystery of God and trusting in Him.
Monday ~ March 8th
Summary: Post Party Crash 😴😑
Details:
I woke up at 8 this morning, studied, went to class, and then had break time.
In break, I took a nap in my full missionary gear, and then did vocab practice with Rasmussen, and posted on Facebook. Felt good, and also finished the Adjusting to Missionary Life manual.
In the afternoon class, I SERIOUSLY was not doing well. I was spacey, tired, distracted, and I didn't feel much Spirit.
Lately I've noticed that when I neglect my studies and wake up crazy late, the Spirit isn't with me nearly as strong. I used to study much more, and really DIVE into the scriptures, but I've just been so busy that I've felt like I never have the time! I need to force myself to make time for Christ, before I run out of time to make.
SPIRITUAL THOUGHT - Faith is like a little seed... if you don't water it, it's just a lil bean in the ground!
Tuesday ~ March 9th
Summary: Rising up! Back on my feet! 😁😎😀
Details:
Today I was DETERMINED to get things done RIGHT! I got up, exercised, showered, ate, dressed, studied, and did ALL my routine! Then I attended morning class.
In morning class, I learned a ton! Today we taught "Ricardo" (Hermano Castaneda) and that was pretty lit. Hermano Castaneda said we need to work on connecting to the investigator more, and help them feel important. He also taught us about companionship inventory which is essentially a weekly heart-to-heart that involves criticism and compliments in a (hopefully) Christlike tone.
After class, we had D+C. IT was Webber, Obbanya, and Minton again. No one else joined. They escaped the Gadianton base, did some enemy killing, and saved a friend from destruction. They also solved some puzzles, stole some loot, and bukled up in armor and weapons. They all love the game, and told me that it was great! I'm so glad!
After D+C, I answered and filled out this massive email for Orem, ate dinner, and did family song and prayer.
Good times! I bet tomorrow will be even BETTER!
SPIRITUAL THOUGHT - Sometimes the greatest remedy to not having enough time and energy is going to sleep as early as possible, then waking up as early as possible! If you cannot focus, just head to bed!
Wednesday ~ March 10th
Summary:
Details:
Today is now P-Day! So far I've written my email, done some laundry, and had a solid shower, exercise, and study. Sadly, I almost did NOT get up! Thankfully, Elder Rasmussen CALLED me and got me up! I am so blessed to have a companion who looks out for me and somehow knows when I need help. Thank you, Elder!
MAIN EVENTS:
-Created and published a THIRD rap - SOMEONE TO HAVE FAITH IN
-Made a video where I played the SafetyZone theme on the recorder
-Somehow had a week of terrible days and a week of the best days alternating?
-Learned more about how to grow my spirit
-Improved in Spanish discussions
-Memorized all 5 PMG lessons!
-Focused more on the work and less on memes!
MY TESTIMONY: I believe in Christ, and I know that His gospel is a gospel of faith, repentance, baptism, the Spirit, and ENDURING to the END! Endurance has never been my strong suit, but every day I'm working to be better, because I know this gospel is one worth fighting for.
PICTURE LOG:
-Funny Spanish translation stuff!
-My beautiful face
-My district and all the Spanish speakers we worked with! (Including BRAEDON and HEIDY!)
-Lebron James reading the Book of Mormon
-That moment when I realized my companion is secretly Thomas S. Monson
Do you guys prefer me doing a LONG, detailed email, or would you rather have a SHORT, simpler email? As much as I love giving all the details of my life, I also know many people probably skip the emails because they don't want to read it all. PLEASE respond to this email with either "SHORT" or "LONG" so I can know what to do in the future!
PREVIOUSLY, on THE LIFE OF ELDER ROUNDY...
(skip if you read my last email)
Last week I dealt with increasing expectations, higher amounts of work, and the passing of a very dear friend of mine. All of this nearly knocked me over, were it not for the rest I had on Sunday that allowed me to clear my head. My relationship with my companion and my district has improved continually, and things are once more looking up!
AND NOW, the STORY of THIS WEEK...
Thursday ~ March 4th
Summary: Spiritual Sensation! 😊😌
Details:
Today was epic! I still am struggling to find time and energy to exercise, but I got up, got ready, ate breakfast, and studied ALL before class!
Class went very smoothly, and I learned a lot. Things are getting harder, but not too hard.
After morning class, I had lunch, practiced guitar for the first time in a while, and worked on the Preach My Gospel lesson principles. I got all of Lesson 1 down, and part of Lesson 2!
For companion study today, me and Elder Rasmussen studied Alma 36, and that really hit me in the Spirit. I felt so uplifted and strong, and ready to face the rest of the day!
In evening class, Elder Holmes gave an amazing spiritual lesson about Alma 36, and I almost cried because I felt so spiritually awesome. The rest of the class with Hermana Moreno was good as well! We split into groups and practiced discussions and lessons in Spanish. I did pretty alright, I'd say!
The rest of the day was pretty normal, but probably the best part was finally feeling some SERIOUS SPIRIT! I've been too distracted and confused to feel it, but all I had to do was reach out and TAKE it.
Oh yeah, I also wrote my last week's email today, since I was a bit behind.
SPIRITUAL THOUGHT - Have you ever felt to sing the song of redeeming love? Can you feel so now?
Friday ~ March 5th
Summary: You knock me down, but I get up! 😵➡😁
Details:
Today I woke up and totally RUINED my morning routine. I've been so tired lately, I just crashed and slept in till the last second. I got dressed, no shower or anything, and just hopped on class.
Classes were okay, but a little discombobulated. I don't feel nearly as spiritually or physically energized.
After morning class, I exercised, studied, showered, and basically did everything I wish I did in the morning! Now THAT felt good. I got myself right on track, and studied through Lessons 1, 2, and 3 of the Preach My Gospel principles, essentially memorizing them with my mom!
In Hermana Moreno's class, we received an interesting lecture about the importance of not sharing content with the class that wasn't explicitly endorsed and created by the church. Some of the missionaries had been sharing other uplifting videos that weren't necessarily about Christ and His gospel. I feel like the reminder was probably necessary, but was definitely a little jarring.
Anyhow, I'm learning to be more in-tune with the Spirit, and I know that it starts with dropping distractions, sleeping sooner, and scheduling my stuff!
SPIRITUAL THOUGHT - You cannot live spiritually hungry and expect to feel full. FEAST on the words of Christ!
Saturday ~ March 6th
Summary: Spanish Lessons, Spanish Blessin's! 😅😇
Details:
Today I skipped exercise again, but instead of worrying about it, I just got to work on the item of my schedule I was supposed to be doing at that time! This mentality allowed me to get everything else done in the morning and sit down in class with plenty of time to spare!
Morning class I was very focused, and diligent, and things went very well! We had two different Spanish speaking volunteers come to class for me and Rasmussen to teach, which were Heidy: an Uruguayan lady living in Fort Worth TEXAS who teaches Spanish to Freshmen and is bilingual, as well as Braeden, who lives in Arizona and is a native English speaker who learned Spanish on his mission! Turns out Braeden was Hermano Castaneda's companion! Honestly, we were so relaxed when both of our teaching sessions were with bilingual people, and we actually had prayed for bilingual people before the session even began, so, prayers answered!
During lunch break, I practiced the Preach My Gospel principles with my mom, and we got ALL FIVE DOWN!!!
Then from 1-2pm I did vocab practice with Elder Rasmussen, and thanks to us working together, we BOTH had our words down when the teacher tested us in evening class.
Also, in evening class, Hermana Moreno posed as the non-member "Jessica" that she wanted us to teach, and we had to teach her in Spanish. "Jessica" wasn't ready to hear the lesson we had planned, so we had to adapt and switch lesson plans halfway through, which Hermana Moreno was really impressed by!
After class, I ate my dinner and was doing my routine when the family began watching the new Superman and Lois show. It sounds super cool, and I'm so happy they get to watch stuff, but it definitely feels different being on the missionary side of things and going to bed early while they watch.
SPIRITUAL THOUGHT - To start choosing the right thing when you're tired and groggy is super HARD! I need to SEEK opportunities to use my agency and go out of the way to do those extra-mile things. Establishing this goal will help me get my life on track!
Sunday ~ March 7th
Summary: Stake Conference and an AWESOME EVENT! 😁🍪🍰
Details:
Today I got up at like 7:30 after snoozing my alarms for over an hour. I got up, showered, dressed, ate, and prayed with plenty of time since I have no classes on Sunday! Then I watched Stake Conference with my family! Here are some notes:
Stake President:
-If we study the Book of Mormon EVERY DAY, we will make better decisions EVERY DAY.
-Gathering Israel is about gathering those who WANT to let God prevail in their lives.
-God has promised to fight all our battles so long as we fully submit to His will.
-God endows us with knowledge and power as we draw nearer to Him.
Bryson Brown:
-Missionary work is about bringing souls to Christ
-Without the Spirit, there is no missionary work.
Sister Eriza:
-After many lessons, many follow-ups, many invitations, and more, she finally CHOSE to be baptized. Never give up.
-Do we really see just how much God cares for us?
President Dailey:
-Coveting CAN be desiring to keep something that you already have, but are supposed to give up to God.
-Temporal means TEMPORARY
-"Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that which leadeth to eternal life"
-"If we are to be set apart from the world, why do we do so much of what they do?" - a non-member friend of Sister Dailey
-What bobbles of passing value are keeping me from being fully engaged in the work of God?
Sister Temple Worker:
-Learning of Christ, follow Him, and find JOY.
-Look forward to the future with JOYful anticipation!
-"Be of good cheer" is a commandment of Christ.
Brother Temple Worker:
-Why does God allow people to die?
-Our life is a plan of HAPPYness.
-Why am I "all in" to the gospel? Am I?
Brother Ochoa:
-Follow your leaders!
-Leadership is built in humility, speaking from the heart.
-"Tell me who you hang out with, and I'll tell you who you are." - old Spanish saying
-Hope is the last thing that perishes.
-Tribulation leads to patience which leads to experience which leads to HOPE
-Thrust in your sickle with all your SOUL!
-We learn through pushing through unwanted things!
-Set a lofty goal, then write all the little steps in-between
-Count your blessings! ALL of them
-Live the gospel! Sacrament, prayer, Holy Ghost, scriptures
-Share your life! Share your blessings, interests, talents, and time
After church, I had FHE with my district. Elder Rasmussen shared a nice spiritual message about growth and culture, and then we played a game I invented based on another game. The game essentially was where two people are given a prompt, such as "Champion of Prophet-length beards" and then they have to draw an image that best fits that prompt. Whichever image is voted on more wins! This went on for a while until all the drawing went super crazy, but we had a good time!
Then I went over to my grandparent's house and we set up for the open house farewell event.
So many PEOPLE came to see my leave! It was a very nice experience, and I enjoyed getting to say goodbye from all these people one last time. I DEFINITELY had too many treats, though.
SPIRITUAL THOUGHT - Exact obedience brings MIRACLES. Faith is NOT following the easily understood. Faith is accepting the mystery of God and trusting in Him.
Monday ~ March 8th
Summary: Post Party Crash 😴😑
Details:
I woke up at 8 this morning, studied, went to class, and then had break time.
In break, I took a nap in my full missionary gear, and then did vocab practice with Rasmussen, and posted on Facebook. Felt good, and also finished the Adjusting to Missionary Life manual.
In the afternoon class, I SERIOUSLY was not doing well. I was spacey, tired, distracted, and I didn't feel much Spirit.
Lately I've noticed that when I neglect my studies and wake up crazy late, the Spirit isn't with me nearly as strong. I used to study much more, and really DIVE into the scriptures, but I've just been so busy that I've felt like I never have the time! I need to force myself to make time for Christ, before I run out of time to make.
SPIRITUAL THOUGHT - Faith is like a little seed... if you don't water it, it's just a lil bean in the ground!
Tuesday ~ March 9th
Summary: Rising up! Back on my feet! 😁😎😀
Details:
Today I was DETERMINED to get things done RIGHT! I got up, exercised, showered, ate, dressed, studied, and did ALL my routine! Then I attended morning class.
In morning class, I learned a ton! Today we taught "Ricardo" (Hermano Castaneda) and that was pretty lit. Hermano Castaneda said we need to work on connecting to the investigator more, and help them feel important. He also taught us about companionship inventory which is essentially a weekly heart-to-heart that involves criticism and compliments in a (hopefully) Christlike tone.
After class, we had D+C. IT was Webber, Obbanya, and Minton again. No one else joined. They escaped the Gadianton base, did some enemy killing, and saved a friend from destruction. They also solved some puzzles, stole some loot, and bukled up in armor and weapons. They all love the game, and told me that it was great! I'm so glad!
After D+C, I answered and filled out this massive email for Orem, ate dinner, and did family song and prayer.
Good times! I bet tomorrow will be even BETTER!
SPIRITUAL THOUGHT - Sometimes the greatest remedy to not having enough time and energy is going to sleep as early as possible, then waking up as early as possible! If you cannot focus, just head to bed!
Wednesday ~ March 10th
Summary:
Details:
Today is now P-Day! So far I've written my email, done some laundry, and had a solid shower, exercise, and study. Sadly, I almost did NOT get up! Thankfully, Elder Rasmussen CALLED me and got me up! I am so blessed to have a companion who looks out for me and somehow knows when I need help. Thank you, Elder!
MAIN EVENTS:
-Created and published a THIRD rap - SOMEONE TO HAVE FAITH IN
-Made a video where I played the SafetyZone theme on the recorder
-Somehow had a week of terrible days and a week of the best days alternating?
-Learned more about how to grow my spirit
-Improved in Spanish discussions
-Memorized all 5 PMG lessons!
-Focused more on the work and less on memes!
MY TESTIMONY: I believe in Christ, and I know that His gospel is a gospel of faith, repentance, baptism, the Spirit, and ENDURING to the END! Endurance has never been my strong suit, but every day I'm working to be better, because I know this gospel is one worth fighting for.
PICTURE LOG:
-Funny Spanish translation stuff!
-My beautiful face
-My district and all the Spanish speakers we worked with! (Including BRAEDON and HEIDY!)
-Lebron James reading the Book of Mormon
-That moment when I realized my companion is secretly Thomas S. Monson
0 comments
« Back
