Monday, December 27, 2010

So this is the New Year.

   So my first Christmas in the field was a ton of fun!! As much fun as i would have at home? Most likely not, but it was a different kind of special!! Due in part to the lack of caring about the commercial side of it all. We really got to focus on the true import of this time of year. But i was able to talk to almost ALL of my family(all except 2 of my little brothers. .) and it was wonderful. I feel however that i may have bored them all to death!! You start to run out of things to say after a while. But it was great speaking with them and they are amazing!! I love 'em!
  I am staying another transfer here with Elder Collier, which is what i wanted! And we are happy to be here together to do what we can. At the end of this week we will have been together for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, Both of our birthdays(3rd, and 26th) Our Year Mark(30th) and New Years!! I am pretty excited to be with someone that came out with me, during so many big events in the mission. Now all we need is some work. ha ha.
  We have a few people that we are working with and we are doing what we can to help them progress towards following the example of our Savior Jesus Christ. I love the people of California and it has been the most rewarding service of my life. I try to think of some of the things that i did when i was back home and try to imagine if any of it had any worth. . Most of my time was primarily spent working, which is good, but i would hardly qualify it as "Better, or Best. ." Being out here has allowed me to see the real reason we are here on this Earth. To become the best we can be! Not in the worlds eyes though. Only in the eyes of our Father in Heaven. We have the time, and we have the talents, the trick i feel is in knowing how and when to use them, and for what purpose? I don't claim to have all the answers to what MY purpose is, but i do know that until now, i haven't really tapped into the "me" that i should be.
   I know that the Church of Jesus Christ has again been restored to the Earth in these Latter-Days by a gracious and loving Heavenly Father and that His wonderful plan of Redemption is made possible through the grace, love, and atoning blood of our Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ. The prophet Joseph Smith was called to restore a marvelous work that blesses millions of lives to this day. And the power and authority of God has been granted to man for His wise purposes in the bringing about of the salvation of His children. Our church is led by Jesus Christ through His mouthpiece and prophet, Thomas S. Monson. He leads and guides us in righteousness. And the Book of Mormon is convincing evidence of the love that God has for us. And that His church has again been brought to the world. These things were not made known unto me of any worldly wisdom or proofs that the world so wantonly demands. These truth's i know by the gift and power of the Holy Ghost. In whom a testimony of Christ can and will be gained if sought for with honesty and diligence.
   I am grateful for the many blessings that i have in my life. I have an amazing family who i wouldn't trade for anything. And i am serving the Lord here in one of His more. . .obstinate parts of the vineyard;) I love it. I love my life.
  

Monday, December 13, 2010

Update!!

Sorry it has been so long since i have updated anyone on my adventures. That may be due to the fact that there havent been many super adventures. But life has been grand lately. My birthday was on the 3rd of this month and it started out with a sore throat and pounding headache. . followed by 3 hours of routine weekly planning:) Loads of fun, let me tell ya!!
  Afterwards we ate lunch and went out and got to work. Nothing super exciting happened. The weather was a bit chilly, but it was nice. Later that evening we went to a members in our wards house to inspect her leaking roof. After an hour or so, and with the use of our deductive reasoning:) we discoved the problem. Which we would then come to be the ones to fix at a later date.  After that we went to another members nearby to help fix a light fixture, and discovered a skunk underneath her house which would continue to plague her and us until this present time. Were working on finding a way to get rid of it. 
  We ran to REI to get a new bike seat for me (because mine felt like a 2x4) and we found a really nice one. .SUPER comfortable. But it was 55 bucks. So we talk to an employee and ask if they had anything in the back room that had been used. He leaves and comes back holding the EXACT same seat, (a Cannondale, by the way) and says, "This is all we got. Because i like you guys and becuse your good 'ole missionaries, i'll give it to you for 5 dollars. . " DONE! Tender Mercies. And the seat is still treating me well:)
   After we went back to our apartment to end the night when we had a suprise birthday treat from Cameron and Bethany Jacobs!! That was neat. So over all i was as fun as a missionary birthday can be. Plus a recieved lots of great mail from my family!! Thank you all those you did so. I love you all lots!!
    Since then we had our Christmas celebration with the Zone already, SANTA RUN, as it is called. That was fun. We got to watch Toy Story 3!! Fantastic movie!! And i didn't cry, for those who may inquire. Close! But no tears:)
   WE have had some really great lessons and have been trying to finish this transfer strong. We have one more week. Transfers are on the 21st!!! Right before Christmas. I really hope Elder Collier stays!! But he has already been here 6  months! So it look grim. . I will be praying he stays though.
   I am loving life and am just trying to beat this cough that has been haunting me for a few weeks now. . (Mom, the Halls cough drops were inspired! Thank you.)
   Other than that i am just gearing up fopr the Season!! Its so different as a missionary! But our great ward is taking care of us! I really enjoy this ward! And our ward mission leader is fantastic!!! Great family!
  Anyway, i am done rambling!! Thank you for all you do for me and the vast amount of missionaries out in the world!! We all love you all and your in our prayers all the time. BE MIGHTY!!!

                 -Elder Justin Garner

Monday, November 8, 2010

The times They are A Changin'

   Well it happened! Shasta Lake city Has been closed for the time being. Elder Miller and I are headed South for the Winter. He's going to Licoln in the Rocklin Stake and i am being transferred to the ROSEVILLE 7TH Ward!!
  So that should be a hoot. As far as i know, i will be on a bike. . . I guess thats what i get for dodging the pedals for 10+ months! Time to start looking like a Legit Missionary!
  Other than that, i have been sick for a week now and am kinda feeling better.
   I will be royally sad to leave the people of the Shasta Lake Ward. There were some (are some) really extraordinary people there. And i loved serving with Elder Miller. "He's a Mover, I'm a Talker" Good combo from what i am told. Haha.
    Lets see what the Lord has in store for me in Roseville.
         Hurrah for Isreal!!!!

Friday, November 5, 2010

On a dock with Elder kohagen

I really am enjoying my time out here

Hey there Elder


So I broke into your blog. I guess it isn't really breaking in when you gave me the password. Anyway, just wanted to let you know...when I get some time, I'll set this up however you want and then if you have questions just email me and I'll help you figure it out. You are now "following" my blog and Trevor's as a way to access easier. Love you!